Still unsigned D’Ernest Johnson is in attendance for the Cleveland Browns OTA’s. Johnson is a restricted free agent tagged with the right of first refusal tender by Cleveland. With this tender the Browns will have the chance match any offer that a team sends Johnson’s way.
Cleveland currently has plenty of quality options at running back on their roster, notably Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Barring unforeseen circumstances there is not a path towards regular playing time for D’Ernest Johnson. Chubb and Hunt (when healthy) will handle the majority of the offensive snaps for Cleveland. While it is possible for Johnson to flash his potential again behind Chubb and Hunt, this type of part-time role would be more suited for Demetric Felton, Jerome Ford, and John Kelly. The 26-year old back has displayed that he is more than capable of being a productive running back in this league given ample playing time. The fact of the matter is Johnson may thrive if given a larger role, it will just have to be elsewhere.
D’Ernest Johnson rushed 100 times for 534 yards and three touchdowns last season while catching 91 passes for 137 yards. Johnson played a career-high 321 snaps (30%) and even started two games. Johnson would go on to rush 41 times for 245 yards and one touchdown while adding nine receptions for 80 yards in his two starts.
