The Cleveland Browns agreed to a one-year, $2.43 million deal with running back D’Ernest Johnson, according to multiple reports on Saturday.
Johnson will reportedly have more than $900,000 of his contract guaranteed.
Johnson, 26, was a restricted free agent and was checking into other possibilities before agreeing to return to the Browns. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Though he is Cleveland’s third-string back behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, Johnson asserted himself when he got opportunities to play last season.
After receiving three carries over the first six games, he rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in a memorable Thursday night starting performance against the Denver Broncos. Cleveland won 17-14.
He received another start against the New England Patriots on Nov. 14 and gained 99 yards on 19 carries. Then in the regular-season finale, he came off the bench to rush for 123 yards and one score against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Overall, Johnson rushed for 534 yards and three scores on 100 carries and also caught 19 passes for 137 yards last season.
In three seasons with the Browns, Johnson has rushed for 721 yards and three touchdowns and caught 28 passes for 222 yards.
–Field Level Media
