Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson reported to training camp on Wednesday. While that's definitely a positive sentence, it doesn't mean he's thrilled with the situation. Johnson has publicly shared how unhappy he is in his role and it's led to some issues.
Talks have been kicked into high gear as many believe the Browns will trade Johnson. That flame was fueled when Johnson fired his agent and hired Drew Rosenhaus – then Rosenhaus met with Cleveland on Tuesday to discuss his client.
The problem of course is Johnson's role. One of the better receiving backs in the NFL in 2017, he saw a diminished role in 2018, likely due to Nick Chubb. Chubb will be back in 2019, and the Browns brought in Kareem Hunt as well.
Hunt is suspended to start the year, meaning Cleveland will need Johnson for a few weeks. When he returns though, there doesn't seem to be room for Johnson to play much. However, head coach Freddie Kitchens says they aren't giving him away.
Browns coach Freddie Kitchens on Duke Johnson's trade request, comes strong again: "We're not giving away good players. … Don't worry about the ball. We'll find enough balls for them."
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 24, 2019
It's not the best situation for Johnson, but it's the right move for the Browns. Johnson is the perfect compliment to Chubb for the first few weeks of the season.
Maybe once Kareem Hunt returns they'll consider moving Johnson. However, it really doesn't make any sense for them to do it just yet.
Who knows, maybe this will work out best for Johnson as well. You never know what will happen in the NFL. An injury or just an incredible performance could put him in a much better position than he believes himself to be in right now.
This is just a waiting game though. When it comes down to it, no coach is going to publicly admit they're trying to trade a guy, so this could all be lip service. As much as I hate to say this phrase, we're just going to have to wait and see what happens.