Even with a talented running back group, Johnson Jr. could offer some improvement to a team always looking to remain on top.
After speculating that he would be traded this offseason, Cleveland Browns’ running back Duke Johnson Jr. decided to spend time away from the team. His reasoning behind the absence was to preserve his health for the next team he is traded to. This practice has become popular with the Cleveland Browns. The team is in the middle of a complete roster tune-up thanks to general manager John Dorsey. In the NFL, former Browns’ defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah was traded for following the same practice. How long will it take before Johnson Jr. is traded?
While Johnson Jr. is requesting a trade, it may not be as easy to come by. The Browns are stacked at the running back position. Rising sophomore Nick Chubb is ready to take the majority of the carries in Cleveland’s revamped offense. Still, running backs get hit every time they touch the ball. Having depth at the running back position is extremely important.
Cleveland previously made a controversial move this season by signing former Chiefs’ running back Kareem Hunt. Hunt was placed on the commissioner’s list last year after a video surfaced of him kicking a woman. For his heinous acts, Hunt was handed an eight-game suspension for this season. There’s little reason to doubt that he’ll have a thorough role in the offense when he returns from his suspension.
Duke Johnson Jr. as a running back.
As soon as news emerged that the talented running back wanted out of Cleveland, it appeared he would have no trouble finding a suitor. The Dallas Cowboys as well as one of their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, have expressed interested in landing the shifty running back. Chicago Bears’ running back Jordan Howard is being acquired by the Eagles. It’s apparent that the team is not finished with improving their running back position. They chose not to resign Jay Ajayi, who tore his ACL earlier this season.
Johnson Jr. is one of the most gifted receiving backs in the NFL. A great safety blanket for the young Baker Mayfield, he is able to make room on the field in limited space. That being said, Johnson Jr. is still able to contribute on the ground. After signing a three-year, $15 million deal last year, it appears that the Browns are ready to purge their pre-Dorsey players. This decision seems to rub away any signs of the constant failure the Browns have suffered over the past decade.
Could Duke Johnson Jr. land with New England?
Although the Patriots are currently loaded at the running back position, there may be potential for Duke Johnson Jr. and the team to unite. Rising sophomore and a former first-round pick, Sony Michel impressed in his first year in the NFL. Michel became a force behind the Patriots’ amazing offensive line towards the end of the year. James White is the change of pace back and shined during Michel’s absence during the regular season. However, White was almost obsolete when the younger Michel returned. Running back Rex Burkhead is another competitor who rounds out the running back squad. He, however, has had a tough time staying on the field during his tenure in Foxboro.
The addition of Duke Johnson Jr. would be a luxury for New England. He would complement the fast-paced game style frequently utilized by Tom Brady and the Patriots. If the running back core doesn’t change, it’s unlikely that New England moves one of their picks to acquire the pass-catching back. Still, coach Bill Belichick has a history with the Browns and seems to make trades with them every off-season. Last year, he acquired Jason McCourty and Danny Shelton. With an abundance of draft picks, and an ever-longing desire to improve, Belichick could pull the trigger later in the season.
