4 Cleveland Browns who surprisingly won’t make the Week 1 roster in 2022
By Greg Newland
No. 2: Cleveland Browns RB, D’Ernest Johnson
With so much money headed to Deshaun Watson starting next year and Nick Chubb having a heavy cap hit, the Cleveland Browns are going to have an overhaul at the running back position. I know that Kevin Stefanski loves to run the ball, but even he understands you can’t pay $20 million a year for three running backs.
After drafting Jerome Ford in the 2022 draft, I don’t expect D’Ernest Johnson to make the roster. There’s enough talent already, the $2.43 million tender is just too pricy for a third-string running back in the NFL.
Truthfully, Johnson will likely be happy to not be on the Browns roster as he will be looking for a role where he can get at least a few snaps every single game. Remember, in a few scenarios where Johnson was utilized, he was extremely effective for the Browns.
Some were surprised by the running back selection, but I was not. With a $14 million cap hit from Chubb next year and Kareem Hunt out of contract, I don’t see a scenario where both stick around.
Let’s hope that Ford can get a few snaps in 2022 and be ready to take on a backup role for the 2023 season.