Duke Johnson, Browns Inch Toward Contract Extension

Duke Johnson is counted among the league’s most dangerous out of the backfield, and the Browns want to keep him as part of their running back stable for the foreseeable future.

They have discussed a contract extension, and Johnson is “very optimistic” the two sides will reach an agreement, according to ESPN.com’s Pat McManamon.

“We’re still in contract talks. Taking it day by day,” he said, per Browns Zone’s Scott Petrak. “It’s going well. … Rookie deal is set, so this is kind of my first time, so I’m not sure the timetable of when it’s supposed to be done, when it should be done, so we’re taking it one day at a time.”

The 2015 third-round pick is the first back since Herschel Walker to record 500 or more receiving yards in his first three seasons, and he’s the only one to record at least 50 receptions during the same time span. According to Pro Football Focus,cheap nike nfl jerseys free shipping Johnson is the third-most elusive runner since he entered the league.

Johnson is an ideal third-down back, but the Browns must make room after singing Carlos Hyde and drafting Nick Chubb.

Even so, the offense is far better with Johnson than without him, so a deal should be coming.

The Cowboys are without a true No. 1 wide receiver who defenses must account for on all downs. However, the offense has a newly coined “web-back” who might be able to create chunk plays if utilized correctly.

The Rams never knew how to deploy Tavon Austin after drafting him eighth overall in 2013. In five seasons, the hybrid receiver/running back never managed more than 509 receiving yards or 907 totals yards from scrimmage in a season. nfl cheap jerseys nike

Instead of position flexibility being a hindrance, Dallas’ coaching staff wants to get Austin the ball a dozen or more times per game, according to Rotoworld’s Josh Norris.

“Coaches have a great plan, whether it’s getting him out of the backfield, lining him up at X, lining him up at Z, putting him in the slot,” quarterback Dak Prescott said, per the Dallas Morning News’ Jon Machota. “He’s a guy we get the ball in his hands, he’ll score some points and get a bunch of yards in this offense.”

None of the receivers on the roster can replace Dez Bryant’s physicality or ability to win 50-50 balls on the outside, but a new approach can be taken with more system flexibility. It starts with Austin and extends to the wide receiver corps. nfl nike jerseys for cheap

“At the end of the day, I’m a playmaker,” Austin said, per 247Sports’ Patrik Walker. “That’s how I describe myself. I don’t care where I’m at on the field. I just want the ball and a little bit of space.

“I like to create, and I’m going to go from there.”nike nfl jerseys wholesale cheap

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