There has been plenty of speculation regarding Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson's future with the team. It appears head coach Freddie Kitchens has expressed his desire to keep him around for the 2019 NFL season.
Cleveland's star-studded acquisitions this offseason have seemingly left little room for Johnson in the offense. However, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Ohio.com, Kitchens attempted to dispel any rumors of his potential departure:
“I don't know why it's assumed that we're going to trade Duke Johnson,” Kitchens said.
“I don't know why we would ever want to voluntarily give up a good football player. Duke Johnson is a good football player. Duke Johnson will have a role on our football team. All these guys that are here will have a role. I don't know when it just became a necessity to trade Duke Johnson because we signed Kareem Hunt. And I know I've heard that a lot.”
Cleveland shook things up by trading running back Carlos Hyde following the emergence of running back Nick Chubb last season. Rumors began to swirl about them taking a similar approach upon the signing of former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt. It seems Hunt's looming eight-game suspension has essentially forced the Browns to hold onto Johnson for the time being.
Although the Browns have made some significant changes to their backfield in recent years, Johnson has managed to maintain his role as the team's receiving back. He saw a bit of a downtick in touches amidst a crowded backfield last season. As a result, he finished the 2018 campaign with 630 yards and three touchdowns on 87 touches.
Follow Us
Subscribe