Cleveland Browns: Does Dorsey want to extend Duke Johnson?

Duke Johnson is confident he and the Cleveland Browns can get a new deal worked out, but does general manager John Dorsey share his desire?

Duke Johnson was the No. 77 pick in 2015 out of Miami and has since become a fan favorite for the Cleveland Browns. A running back by trade, Johnson’s popularity comes from his versatility as he can hurt a defense in multiple ways.

As a rookie he struggled some running the ball as he averaged just 3.6 yards per rush. He showed off his ability as a receiver though by catching 61 passes.

That’s where he’s made his mark since then as Johnson had 53 more receptions in 2016 and 74 last season. He’s gotten more efficient as a runner as well, averaging 4.9 and 4.2 yards per rush since his first year.

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Now entering the final year of his contract, the talented back is optimistic something will get worked out between him and the only NFL team he has ever known.

"“I believe not only the staff but the front office wants me here,” Johnson said via Pat McManamon of ESPN. “It’s just about both sides coming to an agreement.”"

For the Browns, it’s great that someone like Duke wants to stay. The question is whether or not the staff truly does want to keep him, or if that’s just something they’re portraying to the player.

It’s been no secret that general manager John Dorsey wasn’t enamored with the Browns roster when he took over. He has since made a plethora of moves, making this team look completely different from a season ago.

Two areas that Dorsey has addressed impact Johnson and his role with the team. One is the addition of running backs Carlos Hyde and Nick Chubb. Both are more bruising style runners, who can carry a full load.

The other move is the trade for receiver Jarvis Landry. Normally this wouldn’t affect a running back, but Johnson actually lined up in the slot often in 2017.

With those moves being made, we have yet to see how Johnson fits in the new offense run by Todd Haley — who also has a history of riding one back.

As of now, Michael Silver says the team wants to keep the back, but the money isn’t matching up. That could be in part because of the very question of what his role will be with the newly added players.

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Having said all that, Johnson is too good a player to think he will just fade away because some new players arrived. He will still have a role with the Browns, but it’s also likely the contract talk really doesn’t heat up until they see how he fits in with this current roster.