The Browns are shopping running back Duke Johnson, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Cleveland extended Johnson just last year, but after Nick Chubb performed admirably in his rookie campaign, and after the club acquired the troubled but uber-talented Kareem Hunt in February, it seems that Johnson may be on the outs.
We heard earlier this month that three teams had inquired on Johnson’s availability, and although the Browns publicly said they were committed to the Miami product — and that they were going to keep him at running back rather than move him to wideout to take advantage of his receiving talents — it appears they are willing to deal him for the right price. Speculatively, that could mean that the team is optimistic that Hunt will be eligible to play sooner rather than later.
Although Johnson is coming off something of a down year, it is clear that he can be very dangerous when utilized correctly. He has averaged 4.3 yards per carry in his four-year career (including a career-high 5.0 yards per tote in 2018), and he is averaging nearly 60 catches per season.
But the splashy acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr. means that Jarvis Landry will be spending even more time in the slot, further reducing Johnson’s role as a pass-catcher. The Browns are in no hurry to move Johnson, as he still has value even in a stacked offense, and he is set to carry a fairly modest cap number of $3.05MM. But if they get an offer they like, they are prepared to pull the trigger.
Dallas needs a #2 if the price is right. This guy fits the bill
Yeah I think he makes a ton of sense as a change of pace for Zeke. Plus we could play him in the slot at times with Beasley gone.
Philly?
I’m in
Would be a great fit for the Lions!!! Does he have any type of Pats connection? If so, he’s a shoe-in.
Younger, cheaper and better than Theo Riddick, who supposedly might be on his way out of Detroit.
Vikes would be a good fit
Bears would be a good fit. Could offset a potential Howard trade, although I like Howard. Depends on the price though.
Wonder what level of draft pick they’re looking for to trade him? Or better yet, how about a trade for a LB, CB, or SS?
wish Bill O’Brien knew how to use a RB. He’d be a great fit as a change of pace back and receiving matchup out of the backfield for the Texans… which is exactly why he won’t be a Texan.
49ers… because you gotta have at least 4 guys who fit that profile to achieve success.
Dallas could definitely use him.
Steelers are probably not after him, they like Connor and Samuels as their duo, but from watching Duke as an opposing fan I have a ton of respect for him. He gets every little bit out of his ability and talent, plays hard all the time.
Agreed. Love the respect he showed for shazier after the injury
The Browns would NEVER trade Duke to the Steelers or any other AFC North team. In fact, since the Browns don’t need to trade him, they’ll likely turn down any AFC teams who could potentially be a contender for the AFC Championship… GO BROWNS!
Gotta get a 3…rb class is average this year..or as someone said earlier a strong safety would be good
What’s it going to take to land? Third or fourth round pick?
Duke is a good RB and a fan favorite. Hate to see him be traded, but it makes sense for the browns to at least see what they can get for him… Duke and Ogbah to Dallas for Dallas’ 3rd round pick.
I understand the thought behind getting rid of him but like JB19 said, he’s a fan favorite and made it through some of the worst times in Cleveland, I hope they keep him so he can enjoy some winning!
I’d hate to see Duke go but we (Browns) haven’t been able to use his skill set. The good news is we’ve had so much talent that he just can’t get on the field. Duke is the all time leading rusher at ”The U” and that’s something considering the awesome RB talent that has gone through the University Of Miami. Duke isn’t big enough to be a bell cow. However, he’s incredible in the open field. Since the Browns don’t need to trade him I’d be surprised if they let him go to any AFC team, especially a potential contender for the AFC Championship. I’d say the NFC will get a strong look along with possibly scrub AFC teams in need of a RB. Miami might want him there, who knows…