Browns QB Baker Mayfield claims he and Duke Johnson have cleared the air

Earlier this offseason, there was much made about Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson asking for a trade as it drew much feedback from the team.

One of which was second-year quarterback Baker Mayfield addressing the issue while stating that it was a situation that was “self-inflicted” on Johnson’s part by publicly asking to be moved. With that now in hindsight, Mayfield has voiced that it is something that has been worked out on both sides with it being something that they both can move on from now on, according to Jake Trotter of ESPN.

“We addressed it. We’re good,” said Mayfield, one day after coach Freddie Kitchens and general manager John Dorsey both reiterated they have no intention to trade Johnson and that the running back would have a “significant” role in the offense. Johnson hired agent Drew Rosenhaus this summer, and Dorsey confirmed that the two spoke this week to discuss Johnson’s situation. That conversation led to Johnson reporting for camp.

“We’re here to do our job,” Mayfield said. “He’s here. Like I said, when it all came out, we want people that want to be here. He’s here right now and that’s important. I think that shows we’re here to win.”

There hasn’t been a change in the stance from Johnson, but it does appear to be something that he and Mayfield talked about privately. The former Oklahoma product’s initial comments didn’t sign a great light on him in regards to his relationship with the veteran running back.

That said, Mayfield’s latest words do speak to him wanting Johnson in the mix given what he brings to the table as a viable threat in the passing game out of the backfield. It is also a matter that is out of his control in terms of how things unfold.

Ultimately, the only thing he can control is his play on the field and his interactions and relationship with Johnson moving forward.