Duke Johnson trade: what they’re saying around the NFL

Duke Johnson is now a member of the Houston Texans. The Cleveland Browns traded the running back to Houston on Thursday just hours before the team’s preseason opener.

In exchange for the fifth-year vet, the Browns get back a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. That pick escalates to a third-rounder if Johnson is active for 10 games with the Texans this season.

Johnson was a popular player amongst fans, but the deal is almost universally being praised as a great move for the Browns. Getting back that level of compensation for a third-string running back earns Browns GM John Dorsey major plaudits.

John Dorsey continues his excellent work in Cleveland. He gets 4th rounder that goes to 3 if Duke Johnson is active 10 games. That’s 11 players he’s traded

— John Clayton (@JohnClaytonNFL) August 9, 2019

Consensus I heard among teams I had asked at various times was Duke Johnson wouldn't fetch more than a 5th round pick, hence trade unlikely. Getting a likely 3 for him is an offer you can't refuse. John Dorsey's hot streak continues

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) August 8, 2019

I like Duke Johnson a lot, but getting a fourth-round pick for a guy who was probably going to get 3-5 snaps per game after Kareem Hunt comes back is a nice job by John Dorsey. (You might also frame this as an opportunity created by signing someone who beat up a woman.)

— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) August 8, 2019

If John Dorsey was willing to trade Duke Johnson, a starting-caliber NFL running back, with Kareem Hunt out the first eight games, he must have confidence in the quality of talent at all the other positions and/or confidence in Hilliard. So this is a good sign no matter what.

— Zach Bush (@BushtheEnvelope) August 8, 2019

From the Texans side of things, they seem happy to have Johnson but worry about the cost to acquire him.

The #Texans plan for Duke Johnson to be around for a while. Wanted him in camp now to work with the O for joint practices and preseason. They have been after him. Whatever the price was they valued Johnson as a fit in their O.

— patrick (@PatDStat) August 8, 2019

The compensation #Texans parted with for Duke Johnson in this running back climate is in line with a starter. Not a passing-down/change-of-pace guy.

— Evan Silva (@evansilva) August 8, 2019

Duke Johnson is immediately the No. 2 receiving option for the Texans. Love this move.

— Adam Rank (@adamrank) August 8, 2019

Many Browns fans showed their appreciation for Johnson’s play and affable personality.

Thank you @DukeJohnson_8 for putting your heart and soul into Cleveland! We wish you the best in Houston.
pic.twitter.com/mqRU0Yucle

— Everything Cleveland (@EverythingCLE_) August 8, 2019

Dear @DukeJohnson_8 thank you for everything you done for the fans and this team.
Especially during a time when you were the only light beam in the dark.
Thank you for extending with an 0-16 team. I will always root for you! Best of luck and health in you next chapter!#Duuuuke

— Suat Bakar (@lilsurock) August 8, 2019

Thank you for always being a stand up professional, @DukeJohnson_8. You’ll be missed dearly.

— Damon Kecman (@DownWithDamon) August 8, 2019