Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

Cleveland Browns: How Duke Johnson’s extension impacts the offense

By Martin McConnell

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Duke Johnson #29 of the Cleveland Browns makes a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Duke Johnson #29 of the Cleveland Browns makes a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

On Thursday afternoon, news broke that the Cleveland Browns had extended the contract of running back Duke Johnson. With a three-year deal coming “The Duke’s” way, what could this mean for the Browns’ offense going forward?

Duke Johnson will be with the Cleveland Browns for the foreseeable future. Earlier on Thursday, Ian Rapoport and others reported that the Browns had extended the running back on a three-year deal, worth $15.6 million.

The 24-year old running back will likely be entering his prime in the coming years, so this could be a great signing by Cleveland. General manager John Dorsey and his band of merry executives have seemingly pressed all the right buttons.

From the looks of it, Duke Johnson is just another in their line of solid moves.

So, what could this mean for the Browns’ offense going forward? In a word, stability. The Browns have firmly stabilized their running back room for years to come. With talents like Carlos Hyde, Nick Chubb, and now Johnson all locked up for multiple years, the Browns rushers are as good as they come.

This move shows that Johnson will more than likely be featured more in the offense next year. In fact, he may be one of their consistently called upon playmakers.

The Browns would not be willing to pay “The Duke” if they did not need what he brought to the table.

Truthfully, Johnson is one of the best pass-catching running backs in the league. Fans can expect that the Browns will open up the passing game with Johnson in 2018. Due to the mobility of quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Cleveland will have plenty of options this coming season.

Overall, this is a great deal for both sides, and a pretty nice steal for the Browns. Only shelling out five million per year for one of the league’s top pass-catchers is chump change in the NFL climate of today.

Next: Where does Schobert go from here?

Duke Johnson gets his payday and the Browns retain one of their key playmakers. Who could ask for more? Another deal done by Dorsey and Co., as the Browns roll into 2018, one smart front office move at a time.

Home/Browns News