Browns: 5 free agents that Cleveland could give a chance to

RB Duke Johnson

Yes, it’s Baker Mayfield’s favorite running back. Bringing back Duke Johnson may not make a lot of sense to many people, but there are justifiably good reasons to consider bringing back Johnson. Firstly, the Browns clearly still want a player like him, hence why they drafted Demetric Felton. Felton isn’t a lock to make the team, however. He’s not even a lot to be any good. He’s a sixth-round rookie for a reason.

The Browns also haven’t gotten what they wanted out of Kareem Hunt, which is why Felton got drafted. While Hunt as a runner has been as good as can be expected, the fact is Hunt was thought to be the second coming of Marshall Faulk with his versatility. Hunt was on pace for over 500 yards receiving in 2018 and would’ve topped 1,000 career receiving yards at the end of his second year. Since then, Hunt has just under 600 total receiving yards with the Browns. The point of bringing Hunt in was to get more passes his way.

Hunt’s a solid player, and for what the Browns need for him (rushing the ball), he’s a better option than Johnson. What about if someone gets hurt, though? What if D’Ernest Johnson gets cut? Duke is an upgrade over D’Ernest.

Like Amendola, this isn’t a move you make until someone proves they’re not up to snuff or get injured. Either way. You wouldn’t give Duke Johnson a hefty contract either, something of a one-year deal variety.