BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson reiterated on the first day of minicamp that he still wants to be traded.
Johnson skipped voluntary workouts last month in the aftermath of the Browns adding Kareem Hunt, but he was in Cleveland on Tuesday.
“Only difference is this is mandatory,” he said. “Nothing has changed.”
Johnson, who claimed that Browns general manager John Dorsey was shopping him a month before he made his trade request, added there’s nothing the team can do at this point to change his mind about wanting a trade.
Johnson was a third-round draft choice of the Browns in 2015 and has rushed for 1,286 yards over four seasons. Rookie Nick Chubb took over as Cleveland’s starting running back last year and set a franchise rookie rushing record. Then Dorsey signed Hunt, who rushed for 824 yards last season, in February.
“I won’t be a disgruntled employee. I won’t be causing scenes or losing focus on what’s important,” Johnson said.
“My thing is, I’m big on loyalty.”
Moments later, quarterback Baker Mayfield was asked if Johnson’s ongoing trade request would create any awkwardness in the locker room this week. Mayfield responded that it would be so for only one player.
“It’s not awkward, it’s self-inflicted,” Mayfield said. “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.”