The Houston Texans struck a big deal on Thursday morning to provide another weapon for Deshaun Watson, acquiring Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Houston is trading a conditional 2020 fourth-round pick to Cleveland that could become a third-round pick if Johnson hits certain incentives.
While Johnson will share the backfield with Lamar Miller, the 25-year-old could quickly take on a prominent role in Houston’s passing attack.
Across the first three seasons of his NFL career, Johnson recorded 50-plus receptions, 70-plus targets and 500-plus receiving yards. He wasn’t featured as prominently in Cleveland’s passing attack last season, though, he still finished with 47 receptions for 429 receiving yards.
Johnson could take on a role in the passing game similar to that of James White with the New England Patriots or Christian McCaffrey with the Carolina Panthers. Johnson is under contract through 2021 and carries a $3 million cap hit this season.