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Cleveland Browns: D’Ernest Johnson contract increases trade value

By Elliot Kennel

Oct 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson (30) celebrates with tackle Jedrick Wills (71) and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) after rushing for a first down and securing the game during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson (30) celebrates with tackle Jedrick Wills (71) and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) after rushing for a first down and securing the game during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 21: D’Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns plays against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

What is the market for running backs at $2 million?

The table below lists a few running backs on their second contract. Cap numbers are from Over The Cap. Also supplied are their ages and total yards from scrimmage (TYFS) from Pro Football Reference.

Just looking at some of the names and rushing totals, it is clear that Johnson would belong in this group. If a team needs a running back they would do well to trade something to the Browns for D’Ernest Johnson. Still, looking at the names and production below, it’s amazing how little value the NFL attaches to veteran running backs. It is a lot of yards for not much money.

Running backs with similar valuation compared to D’Ernest Johnson

  • Cordarrelle Patterson         31   Falcons       $2,500,000       1,166 yards

  • Melvin Gordon                      29   Broncos      $2,485,294       1,131 yards

  • Rex Burkhead                       32   Texans         $2,476,471         613 yards

  • D’Ernest Johnson                 26   Browns       $2,433,000         671 yards

  • Mark Ingram                         32   Saints          $2,211,765         716 yards

  • Brandon Bolden                   32   Raiders        $2,130,000        631 yards

  • Mike Boone                           26   Broncos       $2,050,000           57 yards

  • D’Onta Foreman                  26    Panthers    $2,000,000         689 yards

  • Raheem Mostert                 30    Dolphins     $1,936,765           20 yards

  • Samaje Perine                      26    Bengals      $1,850,000         442 yards

  • Boston Scott                         27    Eagles         $1,750,000         456 yards

  • Sony Michel                          27    Dolphins     $1,750,000         973 yards

If the Browns pull off a trade, it could help a player who has paid his dues to get his chance to be the “bell cow” running back for another team in exchange for a late-round draft pick. That would be a rather slick move. If it works, credit should go to both Berry and to Johnson’s superstar agent, Drew Rosenhaus. That hypothetical deal might benefit both sides.

Truth be told, the Dawg Pound doesn’t really want to see much of D’Ernest Johnson, because we are hoping for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt to stay healthy for a long time. A trade, if it happens, would be good for Johnson’s career, and after he retires, he will always be welcome back in Cleveland.

The best thing for rookie Jerome Ford would be to learn the ropes on special teams, and not necessarily as a return man. Being good at punt and kickoff coverage is where he will earn the respect of his teammates for now.

The story of Terrell Davis in his rookie year winning over John Elway and his Bronco teammates by making a massive hit on special teams stands out as an example of how to introduce a young player to the NFL. Ford can carry the shoulder pads for Chubb and Hunt for a while. It will not hurt him a bit.

Kareem Hunt and his agent are going to be unhappy as soon as they see this article, however. Do you want to guess how many guaranteed dollars Hunt has this season?

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