The Cleveland Browns’ decision to sign embattled running back Kareem Hunt has apparently made fellow back Duke Johnson expendable in trade talks.
Johnson, 25, took a back seat to then-rookie Nick Chubb this past season — gaining just 630 total yards and three touchdowns.
Despite the down season, Johnson is going to be a highly sought after player in the trade market.
Now, according to this report, both the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are said to be interested in the catch-first back.
SLATER SCOOP: Eagles and Cowboys have both expressed interest in trading for Browns RB Duke Johnson, source tells me.@MaryKayCabot first reported interest by multiple teams.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) March 4, 2019
Johnson would certainly be an interesting fit for both teams. He’s posted 235 career receptions in four seasons and is one year removed from gaining north of 1,000 total yards.
Philly’s running back situation is unsettled right now. The team has in the past been linked to Le’Veon Bell in free agncy.
Adding Johnson to the mix wouldn’t prevent the Eagles from finding a true three-down back in either free agency or the draft.
For their part, the Cowboys would love to add Johnson as a backup to Ezekiel Elliott. It would create perhaps the NFL’s best running back tandem.
A former third-round pick of the Browns, Johnson signed a three-year, $15.6 million extension with Cleveland last June.