4 Browns who have hurt their impending free agent stock

2. D’Ernest Johnson, Running Back

Remember when the Browns had a lethal running back room and many said all in the room would be starters or at the very least, viable backups around the NFL? That seems like a distant memory. Outside of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, none of the rest of the room was going to be filled as either of those options.

D’Ernest Johnson had a very productive 2021 season when his number was called due to either injury or Covid-19. He rushed for 534 yards and three touchdowns on 100 carries and also caught 19 of 25 targets for 137 yards.

Many believed this would propel him to a true backup spot on another roster, but as it panned out, no other team really showed much interest and he returned to Cleveland for around $1 million. This had fans excited as they saw his potential last season, but in 2022, that simply has not occurred.

Johnson has just four rushes for 17 yards to go along with three catches on three targets for a measly seven yards. The undrafted running back has not been needed this season as Chubb and Hunt have remained on the field. Even when he is used on special teams, he has one kick return for 27 yards.

Jack Duffin of 24/7 Sports believes that Johnson will either re-sign with the Browns or find a new home for roughly $1.5 million. Had he been a viable option in this offense, that number could have been increased, but unfortunately for Johnson, that has not been the case.