Getty Running back D'Ernest Johnson, formerly of the Cleveland Browns.
The Cleveland Browns keep winning close games and suffering crippling injuries in the process.
Running back Jerome Ford sustained an ankle injury in Cleveland’s win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7, leaving Kareem Hunt and Peirre Strong Jr. to carry the load. Both proved capable Sunday, but if Ford battles prolonged complications that will mean more trouble for an already troubled offense.
The trade deadline is looming just eight days away, and the Browns are expected to be active as the team searches for help at wide receiver and on the offensive line. Bleacher Report’s NFL Staff suggested on Monday, October 23, that Cleveland pursue a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for D’Ernest Johnson.
If [Deshaun] Watson is going to be less than 100 percent for an extended amount of time, then the running game becomes more important for the Browns. Without Nick Chubb, the Browns need to have a rotation of backs who can make plays. Reuniting with D’Ernest Johnson would give them a familiar face. … Travis Etienne has become the unquestioned feature back in the Jags offense. They should be willing to deal Johnson for a low price.
D’Ernest Johnson Produced Career Year in Cleveland in 2021
GettyRunning back D’Ernest Johnson of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball during an NFL preseason game against the Miami Dolphins in August 2023.
Johnson spent four years in Cleveland between 2019-22, often functioning as the backup or third-string running back. However, he earned two starts and appeared in all 17 games during a breakout 2021 campaign. Johnson finished that season with 534 rushing yards, 137 receiving yards and 3 total touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference.
Jacksonville signed Johnson to a one-year, $1.2 million contract during the offseason. But the consistent excellence of Etienne and the emergence of third-round rookie Tank Bigsby have pushed Johnson back into a third-string role.
Johnson will likely find himself in a similar position if he returns to Cleveland, at least off the bat. But his knowledge of the offensive scheme and familiarity with the personnel after four years as a member of the franchise should allow him to contribute quickly and potentially fill a significant role in the run game if necessary.
If interested, Cleveland should be able to procure Johnson for a late Day-3 draft pick or pick swap.
Browns’ Kareem Hunt, Pierre Strong Have Been Inconsistent
GettyRunning back Kareem Hunt of the Cleveland Browns reacts after scoring a touchdown during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts in October 2023.
The extent of Ford’s injury may dictate how seriously the Browns consider adding another running back given the play of Hunt and Strong throughout this season.
Hunt rejoined the roster following Chubb’s knee injury in Week 2. Over that time, Hunt has scored three rushing touchdowns, including two against the Colts Sunday. However, he has produced just 103 rushing yards on an average of only 3.2 yards per carry.
Strong carried the ball eight times for 25 yards in Indianapolis. He has produced an average of 4.9 yards per carry in Cleveland, though the offense has trusted Strong with only 21 attempts on the year.