Former Starting RB Returns To Cleveland Through Browns Trade Pitch

The Cleveland Browns continue to win close games while sustaining serious injuries.

In Cleveland’s Week 7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, running back Jerome Ford suffered an ankle injury, which forced Kareem Hunt and Peirre Strong Jr. to shoulder the weight. Both showed their abilities on Sunday, but if Ford struggles with ongoing issues, that will only cause more problems for an already problematic offense.

With only eight days until the trade deadline, the Browns are likely to be active in their pursuit of wide receiver and offensive line reinforcement. On Monday, October 23, the NFL Staff of Bleacher Report recommended that Cleveland look into trading D’Ernest Johnson to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Browns will need to rely more on their running game if [Deshaun] Watson is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. The Browns will need to have a stable of playmaking backs in case Nick Chubb is unavailable. Being reunited with D’Ernest Johnson would provide them with a recognizable face. The Jaguars offense’s undeniable feature again is Travis Etienne. Johnson ought to be available for a reasonable price.

D’Ernest Johnson Produced Career Year in Cleveland in 2021

Between 2019 and 22, Johnson played four seasons in Cleveland, mostly as the team’s third- or backup running back. But in a breakout 2021 season, he appeared in all 17 games and earned two starts. According to Pro Football Reference, Johnson concluded the season with 534 rushing yards, 137 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns overall.

During the offseason, Johnson signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with Jacksonville. However, Johnson is now back in the third-string position due to Etienne’s steady dominance and the rise of Tank Bigsby, a rookie selected in the third round.

If Johnson goes back to Cleveland, he’ll probably start the season in a similar situation. But after four years with the team, he’s gotten to know the personnel and the offensive plan, so he should be able to contribute right away and, if needed, even take on a big role in the run game.

Cleveland should be able to acquire Johnson for a late Day-3 draft pick or pick swap if they are interested.

Browns’ Kareem Hunt, Pierre Strong Have Been Inconsistent

Given the performances of Hunt and Strong this season, the severity of Ford’s injury may determine how seriously the Browns take the idea of adding another running back.

In Week 2, Hunt returned to the team after Chubb suffered a knee injury. In that span, Hunt has amassed three touchdowns on the ground, two of which came on Sunday against the Colts. On average, he has only gained 3.2 yards per carry, totaling just 103 rushing yards.

In Indianapolis, Strong carried the ball eight times for twenty-five yards. Despite just having 21 attempts this year, the offense has trusted Strong, who has averaged 4.9 yards per rush in Cleveland.