Browns: D’Ernest Johnson for Jalen Reagor prediction emerges

The Cleveland Browns have a surplus of running backs but need help at wide receiver, which is why a D’Ernest Johnson for Jalen Reagor prediction has emerged

It’s no secret that the Cleveland Browns have more running backs than they need. With Nick Chubb, D’Ernest Johnson, Kareem Hunt, and Jerome Ford on the roster, it makes sense that they’ve been hesitant to extend Hunt — who asked for a trade recently but was denied.

This hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from searching for trade partners, and one possible landing spot has been the Philadelphia Eagles, who just happened to finish a couple of joint practices and a preseason game with the Browns.

While most predictions have Philly targeting Hunt, another idea has emerged as Zac Jackson of The Athletic predicts Cleveland will send Johnson to the Eagles in exchange for Jalen Regor.

Why this move makes sense for the Browns

This move would clearly make sense for the Eagles, who need to bolster their running back room. But it also could be a smart move for the Browns since Reagor actually fills two needs — as a wide receiver as well as kick returner.

While he hasn’t lived up to his expectations as a first-round 1 pick, Reagor has recorded 695 yards on 64 receptions for the Eagles, with three touchdowns. He’s added 321 yards and another touchdown as a punt returner and 255 yards on kickoff returns.

Those numbers might not be earth-shattering but he would be a more accomplished wideout than anyone Cleveland has outside of Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones. On top of that, he would be a solid replacement at returner for Cleveland, who lost Jakeem Grant to an injury during training camp.

A move such as this not only gives Jacoby Brissett — and eventually Deshaun Watson — another weapon but they can keep Hunt in this scenario. While Hunt might not be in Cleveland long-term, he’s an explosive playmaker that can make a huge difference in 2022. And the Browns need as much of that as they can get while Watson is suspended.