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Even though the Cleveland Browns are on a mission to add new talent, they still want to extend one of their own. Monday afternoon, Michael Silver of the NFL Network tweeted that the team have been working toward a contract extension.
Since some of you have asked: The Browns and RB Duke Johnson have been working toward a new deal. They absolutely want to keep him. Still somewhat apart on money. We'll keep watching.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 12, 2018
Johnson is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2019. He’s only 24 years old, and in just three seasons, he already has 188 receptions for 1,741 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. He’s also been productive as a runner, averaging 4.2 yards per carry in his career. With Isaiah Crowell set to be out of the picture, this could be Johnson’s opportunity to step up in an increased capacity with the Browns.
Former Browns CEO Joe Banner said this would be a good extension for the Browns, but a “really stupid decision for Johnson.”
Good move for Browns, really stupid for Johnson. https://t.co/3VuX3GtJCT
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) March 12, 2018
He later clarified that he was referring to the fact that Todd Haley doesn’t use his running backs well.