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Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt has been the subject of many trade rumors ahead of the 4:00 PM deadline on Tuesday.
If Cleveland chooses to move Hunt, that would open up the RB2 role behind starter Nick Chubb.
D'Ernest Johnson is currently the third-string running back in Cleveland but he would presumably take over as Chubb's main backup if Hunt gets moved. Should fantasy gamers be looking to add Johnson off of waivers ahead of Week 9? Let's take a look.
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What Has D'Ernest Johnson Done Over His Career?
Johnson was not a heralded prospect coming out of the University of South Florida back in 2018. He isn't particularly explosive, posting just a 4.86 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, which is probably part of the reason why he went undrafted.
That being said, Johnson has shown the ability to gain yards and produce in the NFL when given an opportunity. In his two career starts, which both came in 2021, Johnson rolled up a total of 245 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground while posting nine catches for 80 yards through the air.
Johnson will not see that sort of workload if Chubb is healthy, even if Kareem Hunt gets moved, but he at least has shown that he can be a difference-maker in fantasy when called upon.
Should I Add D'Ernest Johnson Off the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Football If Kareem Hunt gets traded?
As mentioned above, Kareem Hunt could potentially get dealt ahead of the Tuesday trade deadline. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the season and the Browns might not want to pay what it takes to keep him in town, even though he is an important part of their offense.
D’Ernest Johnson patiently waiting on my bench for Kareem Hunt to get traded today pic.twitter.com/m2QoqGnqGg
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) November 1, 2022
If Hunt leaves town, Johnson would become a valuable fantasy handcuff in one of the most potent running games in the NFL. Cleveland's offensive line currently has the highest run-blocking grade in the NFL according to PFF. That puts him on the map as a priority waiver add, even with the Browns heading into their bye in Week 9.
Fantasy managers in need of an extra running back should be willing to spend around 10-15% of their remaining FAAB budget to procure Johnson's services moving forward, but only if Hunt gets traded. If Cleveland can't find a trade partner for Hunt, then Johnson can remain on waiver wires.
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