Houston Texans should explore Duke Johnson trade

The Houston Texans would benefit greatly from adding running back Duke Johnson to the mix. Here is why they should explore a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

The Houston Texans are an extremely talented team who could become legitimate Super Bowl contenders in 2019 if they catch a few breaks. Their lack of offensive line talent could easily hold them back, but if the Texans can work around their issues up front, the sky is the limit.

With this in mind, Houston should be looking to improve their team on the margins and make additions that help the team wherever possible. The running back position stands out as a position of need for this team and there is an obvious name on the trade market who would make plenty of sense.

Duke Johnson reported to Cleveland Browns minicamp on Tuesday, but according to ESPN’s Jake Trotter, Johnson is still asking for a trade from Cleveland. Johnson is not happy about his name being continually brought up in trade talks earlier in the offseason. Simply put, he feels disrespected and wants out.

At this point in the offseason, there are not a lot of teams who have an obvious need for a veteran running back. Johnson is a talented player who has obvious value as a ball carrier and a pass catcher, but the market for him is undoubtedly limited. That being said, the Houston Texans stands out as a team who could undoubtedly use Johnson on the roster.

Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman are the top two backs on the Texans’ roster. Miller is a solid veteran who was decent for the Texans last year and Foreman has some upside as a power back. However, neither guy is a world beater who deserves a full complement of snaps going forward. Johnson would provide quality depth for this team in 2019.

Johnson is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield, which is something that neither Miller or Foreman do particularly well. He is elusive in open space, creates space with great route running and consistently catches the ball away from his body. Johnson also gets upfield quickly after the catch, commonly creating extra yards after the catch.

If nothing else, Johnson would be a major upgrade for the Texans as a third-down back. He is one of the premier receiving backs in the NFL and would undoubtedly make a nice security blanket for quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Miller is set to hit free agency after the 2019 season and Foreman has struggled to stay on the field during his brief NFL career. Getting Johnson in the fold a year before running back becomes a massive need for this team would make plenty of sense.

Johnson would provide obvious immediate value and a bit of long-term security for the Houston Texans. Plus, they could probably get him for almost nothing at this point.