Cleveland Browns: 3 Running backs who can replace Kareem Hunt

No. 2: D’Ernest Johnson

D’Ernest Johnson is a likely candidate to replace Kareem Hunt and certainly is the most accomplished running back on the Browns roster not named Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt. Johnson will be a free agent this offseason so they would need to re-sign him.

In 2021, Johnson became a fan favorite when he filled in while both Chubb and Hunt were injured. A Week 7 game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football saw him and Case Keenum working together, leading Cleveland to a 17-14 win. Johnson was fantasti with 146 yards on the ground and 22 as a receiver, with a rushing touchdown as well.

On the year, he had 534 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and finished with another huge 123-yard game in Week 18 against the Bengals.

Johnson didn’t get much playing time in 2022 as he only carried the ball four times for 17 yards, and he wasn’t on the active roster for a bunch of games. I’m not sure if he fell out of favor (or the depth just kept him off the field) but the talent and patience are prominent with Johnson based on his 2021 season. He should get a look as someone’s No. 2 running back in 2023 — perhaps with the Browns.