Do Cleveland Browns believe in Dontrell Hilliard enough to trade Duke Johnson?

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly receiving trade interest for Duke Johnson, but do they believe in Dontrell Hilliard enough to move Johnson?

At least three teams are reportedly interested in trading for Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson, according to a report from Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. Two specific teams that have been mentioned are the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

The idea makes sense because of the depth in the Browns running back room. With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt likely splitting snaps (at some point in the season), there will not be many snaps available for Johnson in 2019.

However, the Browns may not trade Johnson this off-season unless they receive an offer they absolutely cannot refuse. That thinking is mainly because of the uncertainty of the Hunt situation.

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Hunt is expected to be suspended for a decent portion of the season, with the expectation that he will be suspended for at least six games. With his expected absence, the Browns may need Johnson to be the team’s second running back until Hunt appears.

Because of the potential need for Johnson as a backup, the Browns front office could wait until the trade deadline to move Johnson. That is unless the Browns feel comfortable enough with their current fourth string running back, Dontrell Hilliard.

Hilliard was signed as an undrafted free agent last off-season. The 23-year-old played in 11 games for the Browns, mostly on special teams and as a kick returner. Hilliard returned 11 kicks for 264 yards, with his longest return going for 31 yards

He had a small role on the offense once Freddie Kitchens took over as the team’s offensive coordinator. He caught nine passes for 105 yards and did not register a carry. He also threw an interception on an attempted trick play.

Although Hilliard never registered a carry, the Browns reportedly like the running backs talent. Cleveland.com’s Terry Pluto reported Tuesday that Browns general manager John Dorsey likes what Hilliard can bring to the offense.

Hilliard showed in an extremely small sample size that he has the ability to be a receiver out of the backfield. He may not be as talented as Johnson, but he may be able to hold down that role until Hunt returns from suspension.

And since the Browns will be waiting for Hunt’s return, it would make sense to have a stop-gap behind Chubb instead of a more established player that wants consistent playing time throughout the season.

If the Browns end up trading Johnson this off-season, it would show how much the team believes in Hilliard. The Browns could also sign or draft another running back to add depth, but the decision can initially depend on Hilliard’s abilities.