Cleveland Browns extend running back Duke Johnson For 3 Years
By Mitch Zoloty
The Cleveland Browns have re-signed Running back Duke Johnson to a 3 year extension, assuring the Browns running back core.
The Cleveland Browns knocked out one of their off-season goals by extending running back Duke Johnson’s contract.
Duke’s contract was extended for 3 years, for $15.6 million dollars, and a $5 million dollar signing bonus.
This was first reported by Ian Rapoport on twitter.
Terms: The #Browns are signing RB Duke Johnson to a 3-year contract extension worth $15.6M, source said. He gets a $5M signing bonus.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 7, 2018
Johnson is coming off of his most productive season yet, eclipsing 1,000 yards from scrimmage. He totaled 1,041 yards from scrimmage, with 693 receiving yards, and 348 rushing yards.
Any fan who has watched a Browns game during his tenure can speak about his potential.
Johnson had been sending out cryptic tweets about whether or not he will be signing an extension with the Browns, leaving many fans worried. With his most recent tweet, fans should have expected a contract coming.
https://twitter.com/DukeJohnson_8/status/1004707237166833672
This extension means that the Browns seem set going into the season with a backfield of Duke Johnson, Carlos Hyde, and Nick Chubb.
This looks like bad news for Matthew Dayes, the 2017 seventh round draft pick who has a tough road to the opening day roster.
Dayes didn’t see any playing time as a running back for the Browns, but did see time as a kick returner. With the Browns signing Duke to around $5 million a year, fans should expect his usage to go up.
The versatile back has seen time returning punts and kicks in previous seasons and in college, so look for him to take on this responsibilities again.
Duke could also see some time as a receiver, allowing the Browns to have him and Hyde/Chubb on the field at the same time. This would allow the Browns to have Duke, David Njoku, Jarvis Landry, Josh Gordon, and Hyde/Chubb on the field at once.
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The thought of all these weapons on the field at once should excite Browns fans. Wherever Johnson lines up expect him to be dangerous, as a weapon, or a distraction.