Former Miami Dolphins and New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa is in Cleveland for a workout with the Browns Monday.
Jordan Raanan of ESPN is reporting that Orleans Darkwa is working out for the Cleveland Browns.
As Raanan mentioned in his tweet, Darkwa missed all of last season due to an Achilles injury. Prior to that Darkwa rushed for a career-high 751 yards and five touchdowns in 2017. Darkwa also caught 19 passes for 116 yards in the passing game.
This could be nothing more than just a workout. Although Orleans Darkwa is healthy and ready to prove he can still contribute. Even in the crowded backfield in Cleveland there could be an opportunity for Darkwa. There is the not so secret situation with Duke Johnson. Johnson is still on the roster and wants to be traded. A trade that appears inevitable considering he hired Drew Rosenhaus as his agent (Rosenhaus has a history of getting players out of Cleveland). Then there is the fact that Kareem Hunt will miss the first eight games of the season. If Johnson were to be traded Cleveland would have a hole at running back. This opens up a chance for Darkwa.
There are plenty of options for the Browns in regards to the running back position. In addition to Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and Duke Johnson, Cleveland also has Dontrell Hilliard and D’Ernest Johnson. If the Browns find a way to trade Duke Johnson and Orleans Darkwa’s workout goes well it would be understandable if they decide to sign him. It is certainly worth kicking the tires on a running back who is looking to regain his value after missing all of last season.
There is no news about a potential landing spot for Duke Johnson, but the timing of working out Orleans Darkwa is a bit curious. Darkwa and Duke Johnson are not the same type of player by any means. Duke Johnson is much better in the passing game and Darkwa is a better in regards to running north/south. Considering the other running backs on the roster and their abilities, Darkwa could end up being more of body than anything until Hunt’s suspension is over. Of course that is if the Browns decide to sign him.
