Trade Deadline Deal for Duke Johnson Jr. Makes the Most Sense for the Browns

Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr. has not been shy about his desire to get out of town, going as far as to say he feels "unwanted" in Cleveland. He hired a new agent in Drew Rosenhaus to help facilitate the trade process, hoping to find a new team prior to the upcoming season.

Freddie Kitchens has not displayed any intention of trading Johnson, preferring to keep him on the roster, but perhaps a trade deadline deal involving Johnson would be the most beneficial for both parties.

With newly-signed back Kareem Hunt sidelined for the first eight games of the season as the result of a domestic violence situation, the Browns could still get Johnson heavily involved in the offense for the first half. While second-year Nick Chubb is firmly cemented as the feature back, Johnson has a vastly different skill set that remains valuable to the team.

Johnson is one of the league's most talented receivers out of the backfield, perhaps the most important trait in a backup running back. Over the course of his career, he's accumulated 235 catches and 8 receiving touchdowns, producing yardage at a rate of 9.2 yards per catch.

If the Browns keep Johnson, they could use him as a rotational piece in the backfield for a handful of games, as one final showcase for potential trade partners. If Johnson plays up to expectations, it could boost his value for teams looking for backfield help down the stretch.

While it may not be what Johnson's looking for, it would be the wisest move for Cleveland.