Earlier this offseason, the Cleveland Browns signed Kareem Hunt in free agency. That prompted Duke Johnson to request a trade from the Browns due to the belief he wouldn't get much time on the field.
In an article by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Freddie Kitchens said Duke Johnson will have a “significant role” in Cleveland's offense. The whole organization—including John Dorsey–has said Johnson can play a vital role for the Browns this season.
“We’ve said from the very beginning that Duke is a Cleveland Brown,” he said during the opening press conference Wednesday. “He’s going to be here, he’s going to have a role in our offense and he’s going to have a significant role in our offense. He’s a productive player. We’re not giving away good players.’’
Kitchens is beginning his first season as the Browns' head coach after being the offensive coordinator in 2018. Therefore, he knows that he has a loaded backfield with Nick Chubb, Hunt, and Duke Johnson.
To some, having too many running backs could be a problem but to Kitchens, he sees it as a positive. Plus, Hunt will be suspended for the first eight games of the season, so Johnson will be utilized then.
Then, even when Hunt does return, there's no guarantee that he fits the offense or even knows the offense yet. For the first eight weeks, Chubb will likely see the bulk of the carries while Duke Johnson is a receiving threat.
Despite Johnson's trade request this offseason, the Browns and Kitchens aren't budging anytime soon.
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