The Browns showed their interest in retaining running back D’Ernest Johnson when they gave him an RFA tender. Today, they have come to terms with him on a one-year deal (Twitter link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter).
The contract is worth up to $2.433MM – the exact amount of this year’s right of first refusal tender. However, as detailed by Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (on Twitter), this is a new deal, rather than a matter of Johnson simply signing the tender. The pact includes $900K in guaranteed money.
The 26-year-old has been with the Browns since 2019. He saw a significant amount of playing time on special teams, including opportunities as both a punt and kick returner. That continued the following year, but he did see a slight uptick in offensive snaps as well. It was in 2021 that he took a significant step forward in terms of production.
Appearing in all 17 games (including two starts), the former UDFA turned 100 carries into 534 rushing yards and three touchdowns; he added another 137 off of 19 receptions. For the third straight season, he averaged no fewer than five yards per carry, though that figure holds much more weight in the context of his 2021 workload. Given that efficiency, it came as little surprise that the Browns tendered him.
Still, the fact that Johnson sits third on the team’s RB depth chart (behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt) makes this move a relatively expensive one. Cleveland currently has Chubb on one of the most lucrative deals in the league at the position, along with Hunt under contract for one more season at a cap hit of $6.25MM. The latter is still part of the team’s long-term plans, despite the presence of Johnson, Demetric Felton and fifth round rookie Jerome Ford. For the upcoming campaign, Johnson will remain a proven depth option available for at least a rotational role.
Johnson is 100% legit. If the Browns aren’t already entertaining trade offers for Kareem Hunt, they should.
Both the Browns and Johnson’s Agent approached contract negotiations in…..
D’ERNEST
His yards per attempt exceeds those of people who assaulted women in hotels – thus he seems like a keeper.
And really exceeds those who punch women in the face
Cleveland is in a good spot financially speaking so I wouldn’t try to trade hunt .. They run the ball alot and injuries are a real thing. So this (RB) is a good spot for great depth .. you keep Johnson on his 1yr tender this season .. ink him to a nice mid size deal (3/20, 15 guaranteed) Let Hunt walk and collect the compensatory pick .. Chubb, Johnson and Felton will suffice when Watson is your full time starter
Smart post. And they drafted Ford as a developmental guy.
Watson may never play again.
You mean Ben Watson the TE? I think he’s retired.
I would agree, but I’m surprised that Johnson accepted a one year deal. I know he hasn’t had an extended career so far to test for experience, but we’ve seen teams hand out better contracts for lesser windows of success. It’s rare to see a modern day NFL player accept a role as a backup in that situation, but it’s great for Cleveland and may end up good for Johnson if he can turn this year into a bigger contract next season-either with the Browns or elsewhere.
Teams signing Johnson would have had to given up a 3rd round draft pick. He had a third round tender.
I’d like to see them trade Hunt and clear cap space. We need it after the totaly ridiculous trade and monster contract they threw at Watson….I love the fire Johnson brings and we have Felton and rookie Ford on the roster as well. Happy to see Johnson returning.
The Browns have plenty of cap space for this year. I expect this will be Hunt’s last year in Cleveland.