Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson showed up for the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday and restated his desire to be traded.
Johnson was a no-show for the Browns’ voluntary offseason program last month after reportedly telling the team he wanted to move on.
General manager John Dorsey has said that second-year back Nick Chubb will be the starter in 2019 for the Browns, who also signed former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt in February.
“I understand the nature of the business. I understand John Dorsey’s job is to do what’s best for the team and the organization. If that’s getting rid of me for a bigger piece and a better piece, then I’m OK with it,” Johnson told reporters Tuesday. “Like I said before, my trade request was to meet them at a middle ground.”
The New York Jets, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles reportedly have expressed interest in the 25-year-old Johnson, Cleveland’s third-round pick in 2015.
Addressing the running back’s comments, Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said it doesn’t matter what Johnson wants.
“He wants to be traded. I want to win the lottery. It doesn’t matter,” Kitchens said. “He’s under contract. He’s a Cleveland Brown. He’s going to be used to the best of his ability in what benefits the team.”
Second-year quarterback Baker Mayfield is hoping Johnson will set aside his grievances and give a good effort for the team.
“It’s not awkward. No. It’s self-inflicted. It is what it is,” Mayfield told reporters of Johnson’s tense situation. “That’s not awkward for anybody else in this building. He’s got to do his job. He said he’s a professional, I hope he does his job.”
Johnson signed a three-year, $15.6 million contract ($7.8 million guaranteed) extension last summer that runs through the 2021 season.
He has played in all 64 games since entering the league, rushing for 1,286 yards and five touchdowns and catching 235 passes for 2,170 yards and eight scores.
