Latest Freddie Kitchens Comment Suggests He Has Zero Interest in Duke Johnson's Trade Request
By Michael Luciano
After being increasingly underutilized under Hue Jackson, Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson became a key offensive contributor after Freddie Kitchens was given keys to the offense. Not even a year later, however, Johnson wants out, surely a reaction to the emergence of Nick Chubb and the signing of Kareem Hunt.
Kitchens is paying no mind to those trade rumblings, however, as he claims that Johnson will still be involved in the offense.
#Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens minces NO words w/ us on unhappy RB Duke Johnson: “He wants to be traded. I want to win the lottery. It doesn’t matter. He’s under contract. He’s a Cleveland Brown he’s going to be used to the best of his ability in what benefits the team.”
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) June 4, 2019
While it's easy to understand how the logjam at running back would make Johnson thirsty for a move elsewhere in search of playing time, Kitchens clearly likes his skillset as a runner and a receiver.
On top of that, Johnson never misses a game. With Hunt suspended to start the season, Johnson has a chance to put his foot down and show his value. And all indications are that he'll be expected to keep a positive attitude while he does it.
Duke Johnson ranks:
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 4, 2019
#2 in yards/play (5.8)
#3 in explosiveness
#7 in success rate (52%)
of 62 RBs on early down rushes+targets past 3 yrs.
Playing the NFL's most-injury prone position last 4 yrs, he:
-NEVER missed a game
-Listed as questionable only 2x
That's doing your job https://t.co/y6xdOz3ngX
Despite his efforts to earn himself a ticket out of town, Johnson is a Cleveland Brown under contract through 2021. Hope you didn't sell your apartment just yet, Duke.