Cleveland Browns: 3 Potential trade partners for Duke Johnson

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Duke Johnson #29 of the Cleveland Browns fights off the tackle of Marquel Lee #55 of the Oakland Raiders to score on a two point conversion during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. New York Jets

Aggressive and loose-pocketed would be apt ways to describe how former New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan approached free agency prior to his dismissal, which took place after the draft. He handed out several big contracts on both sides of the ball, but none made the waves that the big deal they signed running back Le’Veon Bell to this offseason.

It was always obvious that Bell was going to demand a pretty penny on the open market. His financial issues with his former employer, the Pittsburgh Steelers, were what ultimately led to him sitting out the entirety of the 2018 season as he refused to sign the franchise tender after he was tagged. Thus, he got his payday from Gang Green and they will certainly look to utilize him to help spark the offense under Adam Gase and with Sam Darnold entering his second year.

While Bell will no doubt be a heavily featured weapon in the offense, one thing that’s impossible to ignore about the Jets backfield situation right now is the lack of depth behind the former Steeler. Be it Ty Montgomery, Elijah McGuire or Trenton Cannon, there is no truly proven commodity among the group of backups.

Duke Johnson would come into the fold immediately and be the primary backup to Bell. Moreover, it can’t be forgotten that Bell also sat out all of last season, which would seemingly increase the risk for injury in the 2019 campaign. Thus, trading for and then having a player like Johnson in the fold could prove to be highly valuable for the Jets.

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