Browns GM John Dorsey Reiterates They Plan To Keep Duke Johnson, Despite Trade Request

Browns GM John Dorsey reiterated Tuesday in a radio interview that they plan to keep RB Duke Johnson, despite his trade request. 

“I keep telling you guys and you all don’t listen to me,” Dorsey said, per Keith Britton. “Duke Johnson is a viable member of this organization. He’s very talented. This organization has plans to use him.”

Johnson requested a trade out of Cleveland at the start of April, but the team has said that they still plan to have him on their roster. 

A league source previously told Mary Kay Cabot that the Jets, Texans and Eagles had all shown some interests in Johnson ever since the Browns signed RB Kareem Hunt. 

Johnson declined to show up for the start of the Browns’ voluntary offseason program a few weeks ago.

Johnson, 25, is a former third-round pick of the Browns back in 2015. He was in the final year of his four-year, $3.105 million contract when he agreed to a three-year, $15.6 million extension for the 2018 season. 

Johnson stands to make base salaries of $1.8 million and $3.6 million over the next two years of the agreement.

In 2018, Johnson appeared in all 16 games for the Browns and rushed for 201 yards on 40 carries (5 YPC) to go along with 47 receptions for 429 yards receiving and three touchdowns.

We’ll have more regarding Johnson as the news is available.