Duke Johnson Is Not Concerned With Fallout From Cleveland Browns
Running Back Duke Johnson is not concerned with a fallout from the Cleveland Browns. This of course comes after his recent comments.
The Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson surprised a lot of people this offseason. This was when he demanded a trade from the Browns. This came at the start of OTAs.
At the time he made the demand, Johnson told reporters that the Browns had indicated that they did not want to keep him around. This was after trying to trade him last season. Just a few months after he had signed a contract extension with the team.
“I only want to be somewhere I’m wanted,” Duke Johnson said June 4 before the first practice of the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp. “At the end of the day, that’s all this is about, being somewhere you’re wanted. In my case, the moment I’m not wanted anymore. I think it’s best that we find a middle ground and we do what’s best for the team. If you don’t want me here, there’s no need to keep me or force me to be here.”
The Browns’ signing of former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt, who is suspended for the first eight games of the regular season, also made Johnson feel like the odd man out.
Johnson and Mayfield Having Feud
Quarterback Baker Mayfield stirred things up when he called Johnson’s situation self-inflicted during a recent interview.
“Obviously, he’s going to handle his stuff how he wants. However, you’re either on this train or you’re not,” Mayfield said the same day. “It’s moving. You can get out of the way or you can join us. So it is what it is.”
Despite his trade demand and Mayfield’s comments, Duke Johnson does not plan on holding out and is expected to report to training camp, but don’t expect him to fret about any awkwardness caused by his demand or Mayfield’s comments.
“I don’t really concern myself with that,” he said, adding that he would address the issue at training camp if asked.
Is there already trouble brewing in the Cleveland Browns locker room?