The Cleveland Browns and running back D’Ernest Johnson have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $2.4 million with more than $900,000 in guarantees, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday.
Rapoport reported in March that the Browns planned to give Johnson, who was a restricted free agent, first refusal — meaning he had a chance to test other teams in the open market.
Johnson ultimately opted to return to the team that signed him in 2019 after enjoying an impressive stint at the now-defunct Alliance of American Football.
Though Johnson spent three full seasons on the Browns’ active roster, he was often buried behind prolific duo Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt and didn’t see a serious opportunity until injuries forced him into action at various points in the 2021 season.
In the three games, Johnson received at least 20 touches, averaged 152.6 yards and had two touchdowns. This type of production explains Cleveland’s desire to bring Johnson back even though he already has a significant chunk of money tied up in Chubb and Hunt.
Now that the Chubb-Hunt duo has officially become a three-headed monster again, the Browns can rest easy knowing their backfield has the best playing strength in the league.