Duke Johnson’s replacement already on Cleveland Browns roster

After trading away fifth-year running back Duke Johnson Jr., the Cleveland Browns are in search of a replacement while Kareem Hunt lives out his suspension.

It finally happened. After months of speculation, trade requests, and drama surrounding former Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson, he has finally been traded. The Browns pulled the trigger, sending Johnson to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2020 draft pick that could potentially turn into a third rounder if the running back plays 10 games.

Given that Johnson has never missed a game in his entire four-year career up to this point, it is a good bet to assume the Browns will get that third rounder in 2020 from the Texans. To put this into perspective, Jordan Howard, who has over 3,000 rushing yards, 24 touchdowns and has averaged 4.3 yards per carry over his three year career was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles from the Chicago Bears for just a conditional sixth rounder.

Needless to say, the Browns robbed the Texans, who are currently operating without a general manager and plan to for the extent of the 2019 season and for the foreseeable future. While the Browns were standing pat with Johnson, a potential third-round pick was truly too good of an offer for the versatile running back.

The Browns must now look to replace Johnson as Nick Chubb is the only back on the roster who has an NFL carry until Kareem Hunt gets back from his suspension that will sideline him for half of the 2019 season. Johnson’s replacement, however, is already on the roster in Cleveland and is one of three options.