Browns trade RB Duke Johnson to Houston Texans

On Thursday, the Cleveland Browns announced that they have completed a trade with the Houston Texans, sending them running back Duke Johnson in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick in 2020.

It ends a long offseason of controversy surrounding Johnson, who made it clear that he wanted to be traded. He didn’t care that the Browns are poised to be a contending team this year — he had lost the trust of the organization, after GM John Dorsey considered trading him after last season.

According to Tom Pelissero, the pick that Cleveland receives will be a 4th rounder at the very least, but could upgrade to being a 3rd rounder. Lane Adkins of The OBR seems to hint that the pick is more likely to be a 3rd rounder.

Adkins also hints that Johnson’s “hamstring holdout” was part of his plan to get traded.

The trade likely assures a spot on the roster to RB Dontrell Hilliard, who has been impressive in camp as a receiver. With RB Kareem Hunt suspended for the first 8 regular season games, Hilliard will have a significant role to begin the year as the backup to RB Nick Chubb.

What is your reaction to the trade, Browns fans?