CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns decision to tender restricted free agent running back D’Ernest Johnson shouldn’t come as a surprise.
It’s a low key, basic business move that gives EVP/GM Andrew Berry the ability to decide whether to match an offer sheet should Johnson receive one in the coming weeks.
In his limited time on the field, Johnson has been productive averaging 5.3 yards per carry on 137 career attempts.
Johnson broke out in a big way last season.
In a 17-14 win over the Broncos on Thursday night football last October, Johnson rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt unavailable. He ran for 123 yards and a score in the season finale against the Bengals, a 21-16 win. Johnson also had 99 yards in a loss at new England.
If 2021 taught the Browns anything, it was that there is no such thing as too much depth at any position.
Cleveland’s top two backs – Chubb and Hunt – both singed contract extensions last year. In late July Chubb got three year and $36 million while Hunt received two years and $13.25 million.
The Browns also drafted Demetric Felton in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Felton split time at receiver as a rookie where he caught 18 passes for 181 yards and a pair of touchdowns while rushing just seven times for 24 yards.
If Johnson doesn’t sign an offer sheet, the Browns would pay Johnson $2.43 million to return for a fourth year.
Because Johnson was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019, the Browns would not receive any compensation should he get an offer berry elects not to match.