Cleveland Browns must trade Duke Johnson before chaos begins

The Cleveland Browns have expectations for the first time in forever. Allowing an ugly Duke Johnson situation to fester is not helping reach those goals.

Cleveland has to deal swiftly with running back Duke Johnson, who has repeatedly stated since the end of last season that he wants to be traded. Johnson sees the proverbial writing on the wall, understanding that second-year back Nick Chubb will get the bulk of the action behind Baker Mayfield. Additionally, former rushing champion Kareem Hunt is slated to join the active roster after his eight-game suspension, relegating Johnson to spot duty as the third back.

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On Tuesday, Johnson spoke to reporters about his standing with the team, per Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

“At the end of the day I understand the nature of the business,” Johnson said. “I understand his job, [general manager] John Dorsey’s job is to do what’s best for the team and organization.

“And again, if that’s getting rid of me for bigger piece and a better piece, then I’m OK with it. Like I said before, my trade request was to meet them at a middle ground. I was put on the trade block a month before I requested a trade, so that’s all it is.”

While the Cleveland Browns could be keeping Johnson as insurance in case of an injury to Chubb, they would be running a larger risk of keeping him around. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is irritated by the situation, saying that “you’re either on this train or you’re not, it’s moving. You can get out of the way or you can join us.”

Also on Thursday,  head coach Freddie Kitchens took his turn talking about Johnson to the media.

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“Duke has to be able to voice what he feels,” Kitchens said. “As long as it doesn’t affect our team — ourteam — whatever he wants to say he says. Like I’ve said this numerous times, no disrespect to you guys, but the media creating something more than, it was just a comment. He wants to be traded, you know. I want to win the lottery. Alright, so, it doesn’t matter. He’s a Cleveland Brown, he’s under contract. He’s going to be used to the best of his ability and what benefits the team. And that’s what we’re going with. As far as the media-driven controversies, there’s no controversy on our team and that’s the only ones that matter.”

Ultimately, Johnson isn’t worth this controversy. He’s a good player, but an expendable one. At 25 years old, Johnson has $13.85 million remaining over the next three seasons. Another team should be willing to pay that price for a back in the prime of his career, who has rushed for 4.3 yards per carry and caught 235 passes for 2,170 yards over his first four professional seasons.

Johnson would be a nice role player for the Browns, but if he doesn’t want to stick around, it’s best to move on now.