Duke Johnson Misses Start of Browns OTAs as Trade Request Remains Ignored

For all the hype around the Cleveland Browns heading into the 2019 season, they've also got their fair share of drama to deal with.

Of course they do.

Running back Duke Johnson missed the start of OTAs, despite reports that he would be in attendance. He asked for a trade earlier this offseason, but the Browns denied his request.

Johnson, who has been with the Browns since they drafted him back in 2015, rushed for 201 yards on 40 attempts last year. He also played a key role in the receiving game, hauling in 47 receptions for 429 yards.

Head coach Freddie Kitchens was disappointed that Johnson didn't show up on Day One, claiming, "I want everybody here. Because I do think it’s important to be here."

With rising star Nick Chubb ahead of him on the depth chart and the suspended Kareem Hunt waiting in the wings, it's unsurprising that Johnson wants out of Cleveland. Though he's clearly talented, it's somehow possible that he's never really meshed with a single Browns coaching regime.

It'll be interesting to see what Johnson's next move is following his noticeable absence. There are still a handful of sessions left for him to show up to.