Browns Rumors: RB Duke Johnson Will Report to Camp Despite Trade Request

Running back Duke Johnson will reportedly report to Cleveland Browns training camp Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Johnson has been firm in his stance that he wants to be traded on the heels of the Browns signing running back Kareem Hunt to work in tandem with starter Nick Chubb.

The 25-year-old Johnson has spent his entire four-year NFL career with the Browns since being selected by the team in the third round of the 2015 draft.

When Johnson was asked about his status at minicamp in June, he made it clear that he wouldn't cause a distraction, per ESPN's Jake Trotter: "I won't be a disgruntled employee. I won't be causing scenes or losing focus on what's important. My thing is, I'm big on loyalty."

Meanwhile, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield was rather blunt in his assessment of Johnson's situation:

"It's not awkward, it's self-inflicted. It's not awkward for anyone else in this building. He's got to do his job. He said he's a professional. I hope he does his job. I get it, Duke has been here for years, and I respect that. But it's about what you're doing right now and what we're going to do. The past is the past. ... You're either on this train or you're not."

Two weeks ago, agent Kristin Campbell told Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot that she was no longer representing Johnson.

Since being drafted out of Miami, Johnson has spent most of his career as an effective third-down back.

Although he has never rushed for more than 379 yards in a single season, Johnson has been one of the NFL's premier pass-catching backs during his career. He has never caught fewer than 47 passes in a season, and he made a career-high 74 receptions for 693 yards and three touchdowns in 2017.

Johnson's role lessened last season with Chubb developing into a workhorse in his rookie campaign. In addition to rushing for a career-low 201 yards, Johnson also set lows in receptions (47) and receiving yardage (429), although he did catch three touchdowns.

Since Hunt is suspended for the first eight games of the 2019 regular season, the Browns need Johnson for at least that long. If they cave to his trade demands, head coach Freddie Kitchens will have to rely on unproven options behind Chubb for half the season.

Dontrell Hilliard is the only other running back on Cleveland's roster with regular-season playing experience, but he has no rushing yards and just nine receptions for 105 receiving yards to his credit.