Johnson agrees to three-year deal

The Browns and running back Duke Johnson have agreed to a contract extension, the team announced. “I’m excited,” Johnson said. “It’s fun to see how this team is shaping out and I want to be a part of it.”

Duke Johnson will play an important role in offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s plans for 2018, and the Browns want to make sure he doesn’t slip their grasp like he does the grasp of an opposing linebacker.

Johnson has agreed to a three-year contract extension, the Browns announced on June 7. The 2015 thirdround draft pick from Miami led the Browns with 74 catches and also led the team with 693 receiving yards.

Johnson’s deal is for $15.6 million with $5 million guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

“I’m excited,” Johnson said in a statement. “It’s fun to see how this team is shaping out and I want to be a part of it. You can see it with the guys they brought in on offense like (quarterback) Tyrod (Taylor) and (wide receiver Jarvis) Landry, plus the guys we already had.

“I think bringing in coach Haley adds another dimension to our offense and it gives coach (Hue) Jackson the chance to be the head coach. John Dorsey has been bringing in guys that can play, that can ball, and that gives us a chance. Now it’s about going out and doing it now.”

Dorsey was hired as general manager on Dec. 7. He hasn’t been shy about cutting players he inherited, but he decided Johnson is worth keeping.

“Duke Johnson is a good football player,” Dorsey said. “His hard work and commitment to the Browns organization is appreciated and we’re excited to extend his contract and keep him in a Browns uniform for years to come. Duke is an excellent representative for our organization. He leads by example and we look forward to him playing an important role with the Cleveland Browns moving forward.”

Johnson and Herschel Walker (1986-88) are the only NFL running backs to record 500 receiving yards in each of their first three seasons in the NFL. Johnson is the only NFL running back with at least 50 catches in each of the past three seasons.

Johnson will share running back duties with Carlos Hyde and rookie Nick Chubb in Haley’s offense. He will also be used as a slot receiver.

GAIL BURTON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Duke Johnson (29) is stopped just short of a touchdown by Ravens free safety Eric Weddle (32) during the 2017 season.