The Cleveland Browns have stockpiled the running back position of late, and now Duke Johnson has reportedly requested to be removed from the equation.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Johnson’s representation has officially requested that the running back be traded. And, per Cabot, there is plenty of interest in Johnson’s services.
“The Jets, Texans and Eagles have all been interested in Johnson ever since the Browns signed running back Kareem Hunt in February, a league source said. Other teams have inquired as well.”
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard that Johnson wanted out of Cleveland. But this latest report indicates things have moved beyond the rumor stage into reality.
This seemed like the inevitable outcome after the Browns signed disgraced former Kansas City Chiefs running back, Kareem Hunt. And when the team traded for Odell Beckham Jr., Johnson’s potential role in Cleveland became even murkier.
A player who is more slot specialist than pure running back, Johnson should land on his feet. Over the course of his career, he’s proved himself to be valuable in this role, catching 235 passes for 2,170 yards and eight touchdowns in four years as a pro.