The Cleveland Browns suddenly boast as much offensive talent as any team in football. With so many playmakers now in the fold, general manager John Dorsey believes his team would be best served to gauge the trade market for one its longest-serving incumbents.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns are shopping running back Duke Johnson, and have already made enough traction to “hold out” for a return they deem appropriate.
In the course of trade conversations over the past few days, teams have learned that the Browns are more than willing to deal Johnson, but they’re waiting for the right offer. With at least three teams interested, sources tell cleveland.com, the Browns are holding out for good compensation.
Johnson, a third-round pick of Cleveland in 2015, once seemed poised to emerge as his team's number one option in the backfield. Instead, the 25-year-old has merely been a part of the Browns' running back by committee approach, never topping more than 104 carries – his number as a rookie – in a single season. Johnson had a career-low 40 carries in 2018, rushing for 201 yards.
Where he's made his biggest impact is in the passing game. A gifted pass-catcher and sound blocker, Johnson offers objective value as an experienced third-down back with enough skill to make plays when possessing the ball in space. He had 47 catches for 429 yards last season, both career-low numbers, an indication of his comparative lack of playing time compared to years past than any physical decline.
The Browns are fully committed to rising sophomore Nick Chubb as the team's featured back, and in February signed Kareem Hunt, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, as the league decides how long to suspend the former Pro Bowler for assaulting a woman on video.
Follow Us
Subscribe