2 former Browns noted as having big upside

There are plenty of free agents still available that could help their new team should they sign. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report put together a list of five players and on that list appears two former members of the Cleveland Browns, Kareem Hunt and John Johnson III. Kay provides some background on players before adding some notes towards the end.

On Kareem Hunt

“Despite Cleveland’s beliefs, the 27-year-old may still have enough tread left on his tires to serve as a viable pass-catching and backup running back at this stage in his career. He’ll likely get one more shot to prove himself on his next contract and could surprise his doubters with a bounce-back year.”

On John Johnson III

“On the bargain contract he’s likely to command for his next team, Johnson could pay dividends thanks to his wealth of experience and skills. At worst, he’ll be a great backup, but he’s a potential starter with the upside to become a high-end piece again with the right club.”

Let’s get one thing out of the way first. It is very possible that both players were misused by the Browns. Hunt’s time in Cleveland was really a disappointment, never living up to the expectations that many had when the team signed him after his release from Kansas City. Having possibly the best running back in the NFL in Nick Chubb as the primary ballcarrier did not help his case, but more was expected than what he produced in 49 games as a Brown.

Johnson’s contract had bust potential written all over it from the jump. Andrew Berry massively overpaid for his services in a quest to overhaul the defense. Add in the fact that Joe Woods was the defensive coordinator and it not surprising to see things play out the way they did. Woods did not do Johnson, or any other defender for that matter, any favors. But again, Johnson was incredibly bad by the time the team decided to part ways.

It is very possible that both players end up someplace new and are bigger contributors than what they have shown over the last few seasons. Equally possible is that their time as a big time player in the NFL has passed and this is what they are now. Only time will tell.