DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Browns shopping running back Duke Johnson, sources say

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns are shopping running back Duke Johnson, multiple sources tell cleveland.com.

In the course of trade conversations over the past few days, teams have learned that the Browns are more than willing to deal Johnson, but they’re waiting for the right offer.

With at least three teams interested, sources tell cleveland.com, the Browns are holding out for good compensation.

They’ve also been waiting for word from the NFL office on the length of running back Kareem Hunt’s suspension, which will impact their decision. That announcement could come at any time, and the suspension might not be as long as some people expect considering Hunt sat out the last five games of last season after the Chiefs cut him.

Source have also told cleveland.com that with defensive end Olivier Vernon on board, the Browns are also trying to trade defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. Ogbah, the No. 32 overall pick in 2016, is in the final year of his rookie contract, and the Browns would like to get something for him, if possible.

The Browns are also in no hurry to trade Johnson because his cap number in 2019 is only $3.05 million. If they trade him before June 1, he’ll count $2.25 million against the cap in dead money, and the Browns will save $800,000. If they trade him after June 1st, they’ll have $750,000 in dead money and save $2.3 million.

But with Odell Beckham Jr. in the house, Jarvis Landry will probably spend even more time in the slot, which will decrease Johnson’s reps there.

Signed to a three year, $15.6 million contract extension with the Browns in June, Johnson received a $3 million signing bonus and $7.57 million in guarantees. He has per game bonuses that total $400,000.

Johnson spent much of last season frustrated by his lack of touches, but never went public with his beef except to say a few times that he was embracing his primary role as a blocker.

He thought his chances would increase after offensive coordinator Todd Haley was fired, but they didn’t. He did have nine catches in Kitchens’ first game as coordinator against the Chiefs, but he averaged only 2.5 the rest of the way. All told, Johnson's touches were drastically reduced from 156 (82 rushing, 74 receiving) in 2017 to only 87 last season (40 rushing, 47 receiving).

Dorsey said at the NFL Combine that he’s “absolutely’’ committed to Johnson moving forward despite Hunt’s signing. But if the right offer comes along for the 2015 third-rounder, he’ll strongly consider it, sources say.

Freddie Kitchens also said at the NFL Combine that he has no plans to switch Johnson to full-time receiver, something the back has said he’d love to do.

Since entering the league in 2015, Johnson’s 6.5 scrimmage yards per touch average is the third-best in the league among running backs. Dating back to his rookie year, Johnson has held a top three spot in receptions (235) and receiving yards (2,170) among NFL backs. His 235 receptions are the most by a Brown through their first four years.

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/03...xYxcKIFwRU_uG3w

Love the guy but no surprise if it can help our D

I think that any guy who has been bumped down the depth chart could be traded, if we get value in return. Duke went from 1A, to 2, to probably 3 at this point, especially if Hunt's suspension might be only 4-6 games as I heard earlier. (his time out of the NFL last year might count towards his suspension)

Ogbah went from starter to backup, but another team may look at him as a starter, and value him as such. If so, it makes perfect sense to trade him for value.

I am not in favor of just dumping either of them, but we have strength at RB, and if we get back a solid pick ... or a starting level SS ..... or a solid backup/spot starter, or young OL that Dorsey likes .... well, that could be a win.

If he goes to the right time, he will be one of the best running backs in the league.

If he actually had that potential he wouldn't be sitting at #3 on our depth chart.

He has that potential. Hunt is more talented and a better value.

I don’t understand trading Johnson right now. We should at least wait until we know Hunt suspension.

I think people need to get used to the idea that the roster turnover is far from done. There will only be a 53 man roster and when you add players, you also lose players. There's only so many roster spots at each position and you can only carry so much salary cap at each position. When you compare Duke's production with his salary, something has to give.

I agree with you about Ogbah being shopped as well. I'm not sure how trades will work out and I don't see Dorsey just giving players away. But whether it's for players or draft picks I do see more moves being made.

We certainly don't disagree with Duke having potential. Where we disagree is on how much potential he has. Your claim was that he could be "one of the best running backs in the league". I don't believe that for a second.

If we trade a good player at a surplus position for a good player at a position of need, it's a win/win. (unless, of course, your name is Dave Gettlemen)

Seriously, though, I think we probably like and respect Zeittler, but his contract, the fact that we have Corbett, and that we could add a high quality player at a position of need, and higher value, we made that trade. The 2nd trade, for OBJ, was also a no brainer. The Giants wanted a SS, after letting Collins walk, and they wanted draft capital. We managed to arrive at an acceptable deal on both ends.

Who knows .... maybe we trade Duke and a pick for a starting OLB. Maybe Ogbah (and perhaps a pick) becomes a starting SS? As long as we add guys on their rookie deals, we could do so without huge cap implications.

It will be interesting, and exciting, to see what this team looks like come opening day.

Dumb, dumb, dumb.

I concur...

Our plan for running back depth now and into the future is a guy who may or may not be facing a healthy suspension, a guy for any future infractions will certainly cause very lengthy suspensions, and who is on a 1 year bargain-basement deal...

This could go sideways so many different ways if Duke is gone...

Sideways?

Please.

I don't even know what to say.

Well when you figure it out, let me know. Then I can respond to it.

Keep him. I like DJ, but he has been solid. For the right money/offer, he goes.

What do you think he is worth fairly?

Or, say, bundled with Ogbah? I would keep both, but I was born simple.

Duke Johnson certainly has a very trade friendly contract, but what we hope to get in return is anybodies guess.

I could see us picking up Spencer Ware if we do trade Duke. Has Dorsey and Ohio ties. Would probably come at a reasonable cost.

Dorsey has also had success with picking rookie RBs in Hunt and Chubb.

Nothing is going "sideways". You have Chubb and need a complimentary back. If Chubb got injured - you would still be shopping for a RB because Duke just doesn't fill that role. What's the talent difference between Duke and next years CJ Anderson? Not drastic enough to impact our team, but maybe drastic enough for another team that has an asset that actually fills one of our needs. We've preserved Duke's upside by never using him enough to reveal any distinct weaknesses. Sell high and get on with the program.

The Browns also seem to really like Hilliard at RB, and probably want him to have a role. While Hilliard didn't have any carries last year, he did catch 9 passes. When we get Hunt back, his receiving ability, combined with his rush ability, make Duke more than expendable.

It's great having Duke as our 3rd RB. That's a nice luxury. It is a luxury though. If we can turn him into a player at a position of need, then that's what we should do.

Duke has value, but it is lessening.

With Freddie calling plays he had a bunch of catches his first game, then lot's few the rest of the way.

I would say that in few cases is Duke the primary receiver. He is the check down receiver. Baker started to click under Kitchens and wasn't dumping off to his check down very often.

I like Duke and wouldn't mind keeping him, but I also don't mind trading him if it makes sense. If we can turn him in to a good player at another position, or a decent draft pick next year, I am in.

The team likes Hilliard. Nothing says he won't be a good back-up to Nick until Hunt returns.

Anyone is trade-able if the price is right. If we got a quality CB or LB or a 3rd round pick or higher, I'm not going to complain.

I agree. Hilliard could be used in a similar role as DJ.

I hope we able to get a 3rd for each of them...but idk if they even bring that value. In honesty I would keep Ogbah for depth (and I'm not even a big fan of him) however he may be only a solid starter...however he's a very good back-up. Duke will fit in an offense that gives him the ball more, We just have a lot of mouths to feed...Wish him the best...

I think Tony Pollard makes sense late in the draft as he can catch, run, and improve our return game as well....If we are looking to replace Duke's spot.

I'm sorry i'm in the minorty here. I don't understand all the love for DJ. Yes he can make catches out of the backfield but he is also fumble prone. He did look decent when the Browns had subpar talent on this team but now to me he looks like an adverage scat back. Right know he is 3rd string. At this position he needs to contribute on special teams as like a returner. Just don't see this happening. At this point Hillard's job mainly was kick returns on ST and with Peppers traded his role just got bigger. Frankly I would surprised if the Browns get more that a 5th rounder in trade. Sorry just my opinion

Oh, I almost forgot. We also have Landry in a pinch. He averaged 20 ypc.

I don't agree with you, but I kinda see your point. Duke is a Sproles or that one little dude from San Diego type back. On the right team and in the right offense, a guy like that has a TON of value.

Our offense doesn't appear to be that. Baker likes to spread the ball around and push it downfield, and that's only when Chubb isn't on one of his 20-25 carries.

So yeah, there aren't a ton of teams that would shell out for the Duke, but there are a couple that would value him quite a bit, especially when you factor in his contract and attitude.

j/c:

Some thoughts:

--We are listening to offers. We are not just dumping him.

--We want to hear about Hunt's suspension. I wish the NFL would decide. The dude missed 5 games last year. Time to make a decision.

--I like Duke Johnson.

--I think fans on this board overrate Duke Johnson. He will never be an elite back. Hell, he is not even a number one back. He is a change-of-pace back. That is not an insult. Guys like that are valuable, but you don't line up guys like Duke, Sproles, Bernard, Chris Thompson, etc as your primary back.

--Duke will not be happy being the third back. I don't blame him for that. But, it's a given.

--Dorsey is not "dumb, dumb, dumb." Giving up very good players for comp picks was dumb, dumb, dumb. Getting something in return for a player that isn't going to play much once Hunt is eligible is "smart, smart, smart."

Duke gets the hype of Lee Suggs in 2005 on this board.

Like it or not...
He is past his time here and there really isn't any room for him except warming the beach (barring injury).


The only reason he is still here is Dorsey loved RB depth. See KC.

Comparing Duke to Suggs isn't going to cut it. Do better.

I would prefer to keep him for the time being. There shouldn't be any haste to trade him, even if posters wanna keep the buzz going, get more action, with all the excitement this week.

i get the feeling he doesn't want to be here...he was unhappy with his involvement last year...leaving hunt out the discussion because we don't know his status for the majority of the season. we have still added an OC that is ultra pass happy and the best wide receiver in football....i don't see any scenario where his touches would increase this season especially once hunt hits the field..i like duke but if the price is right....we can always pick up a backup running back there is plenty out there

Welcome to the board.

I get the same feeling. I'm betting that while he would be willing to be the good soldier with whatever role he has, he would much prefer to go elsewhere and actually get to play a fair bit. Nobody wants their entire career to be on the sidelines.

Not sure how true it is really, but for the sake of this discussion, let's say it's real.

What do they do for 8 games while we are waiting for Hunt to be available?

Do we keep Hillard? do we add another guy? what do we do with the "Other" guy after Hunt comes back.

My answer?

Keep Duke and Hilliard, Hunt returns, dump Hilliard.

All is right with the world

With Chubb and Hunt, our 3rd RB is not going to get many touches, maybe 5 a game. Hillard is much cheaper than Duke, and for 5 touches a game, Dukes contract would not be worth that little amount. Also, we would be doing Duke a favor in trading him in that scenario.

Just reading through some things...


I think Duke's value comes more as a receiver. I know these are different players, different eras, but I sorta compare him to Eric Metcalf. When Metcalf left Cleveland he became a 1000 yd receiver. If we trade Duke, I think something similar could happen. We've always looked at Duke as RB, but (and trust me, I'll be shot for this) we could have moved him to the slot and we could have saved a few bucks and gotten similar results as we had with Landry. As much as I didn't want to see Metcalf up the middle, I don't want to see Duke up the middle. Duke can be very effective if used properly.

Chubb gets dinged up, who do you want, Hilliard or Duke as your back up?

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Duke played 12 special teams snaps last season. I'm assuming those were as a returner. If he covered kicks, I think he'd be more likely to stick around. He only had 40 carries all season and 47 catches. He's not a bad pass protector, but he's not a great one either simply because of his size. After Chubb had the behind the helmet TD catch, he is probably going to start eating into Duke's targets because Chubb doesn't signal the likelihood of a pass as much as Duke. Play action has more effect when you're worried about meeting a back before he gets momentum going.

If Chubb hadn't shown good hands, Duke would probably be back.

And he still could be back. I just won't be surprised if he isn't.

Let me first say I would love to keep Duke but if we can get a 3rd/4th rd. pick or a starting caliber DB/LB I would trade him, he won't be here when Hunt comes off suspension anyways and besides Dontrell Hilliard knows the offense and isn't to bad either, Then draft Mike Weber in the 4th/5th rd. ...

As a running back, Hillard. As a receiver duke.

But I think in our offense, with our weapons on the outside, I can live with Hillard a couple games.

FYI, you plan based on thinking guys are going to get injured, you plan thinking who is the better fit for the role - and you plan on that role being very small.