The Cleveland Browns decided to move on from running back Duke Johnson on Wednesday. General manager John Dorsey shipped him off to the Houston Texans for a conditional fourth-round pick.
This comes as no surprise, as Johnson had requested a trade in February. The running back had also missed almost all of training camp with a hamstring injury. There was lots of speculation that Johnson was completely healthy, and just didn't want to play for the Browns. Cleveland head coach Freddy Kitchens put those rumors down quickly.
“Do not question Duke’s professionalism, Duke had a pulled hamstring. As an organization, you do not want him come back on a pulled hamstring, and [if] he pulls it again, he is out for a month., said Kitchens, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
This seems like a good move for both sides involved. The Texans recently parted ways with backup running back D'onta Foreman, so they needed some backfield depth. The Browns, on the other hand, did not. With established starter Nick Chubb, suspended Kareem Hunt and camp standout Dontrell Hilliard, there wasn't much room for Johnson. Both he and Hilliard play the role of receiving back, and there was only enough snaps for one of them.
While this move does improve the Houston offense, it's not a major change. The biggest weakness in Houston remains the offensive line, and Johnson doesn't really help that out too much. Hopefully quarterback Deshaun Watson will be able to gel with Johnson, and make this move a good one.
Follow Us
Subscribe