Duke Johnson's situation caused some angst within the Browns walls in Berea, Ohio. The Cleveland running back, however, isn't fretting about any possible awkwardness that might derive from his trade request and teammates' reactions.
"I don't really concern myself with that," Johnson told George Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal over the weekend at a youth bowling event hosted by Browns teammate Rashard Higgins.
The running back noted that he'd address the issue when training camp opens on July 24, if asked. Johnson will certainly be asked.
The scuttle began when Johnson joined teammates in June minicamp and confirmed his desire to be traded. The comments didn't sit well with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who at the time chastised the RB for the self-inflicted situation and said Johnson should jump on the team train or get out.
The Mayfield comments then led to a report from NFL Network's Mike Silver that several veteran players took issue with the QB sticking his nose into a teammate's business interests.
When asked over the weekend if he knew about teammates sticking up for him at the time, Johnson responded: "No, sir."
The dance between the Browns and Johnson won't end soon. With Kareem Hunt suspended the first eight games, Cleveland is in no hurry to unload Johnson before the trade deadline, unless they're bowled over by an offer -- which generally never happens at this stage of the offseason for non-star players. Johnson wants a working situation with a team that would be more willing to commit beyond this season.
Seemingly the lone negative narrative emanating from Cleveland this offseason, it's a precarious situation certain to be addressed again later this month at training camp.
