Duke Johnson Trade Could Mean Lamar Miller is on His Way Out in Houston
By Parker White
After months of calling for a trade, former Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson has finally gotten his wish, as he was shipped to the Houston Texans on Thursday.
So, what does that mean for current Texans back Lamar Miller?
Duke Johnson gives the #Texans a solid 3rd down option+#2 RB behind Lamar Miller.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) August 8, 2019
Johnson is signed through 2021.
$1.8m base salary this season (fully gtd), 2020 base salary is $3.6m, 2021 base is $4.65m.
With Miller coming up on a contract year and inconsistent play throughout his three years in Houston, the 2019 season will likely be his last with the Texans.
Worth noting with Johnson under contract through 2021. Lamar Miller’s contract is up after 2019 season. https://t.co/CNb43QhLc8
— TexansCap (@TexansCap) August 8, 2019
NFL teams usually deploy two running backs pretty evenly on Sundays, so it's not out of the question that Houston would ride with this Miller/Johnson combo beyond this season if it works out.
However, Johnson, who is signed through 2021, has proven to be a talented, multi-faceted running back and it'd be cheaper to draft someone younger than the former 2012 fourth-rounder in Miller.
Miller, 28, has rushed for over 1,000 yards twice over his career, and last season he racked up 973 yards on 210 carriers and five touchdowns. He takes care of the football and solid in short yardage situations, but the writing appears to be on the wall.