Ex-UM star Johnson leaving for division rival

Duke Johnson, the Miami native and Hurricanes alum who was a free agent running back this offseason after emerging for the Dolphins late last season, has joined one of the team’s biggest rivals.

Johnson agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills on Monday morning, according to multiple reports.

Johnson adds much-needed depth to the Bills’ backfield after J.D. McKissic backed out of an agreement to sign with Buffalo and returned to Washington.

Johnson emerged as the Dolphins’ lead running back in the final few games of the 2021 season. Signed to Miami’s practice squad on Oct. 26, he was elevated to the active roster for two meetings with the New York Jets before getting signed to the 53-man roster for the final three games. He ran for 330 yards on 71 carries, a 4.6 average, and three touchdowns in the five games, with four starts.

Johnson became expendable in new coach Mike McDaniel’s offense after the team added former Arizona Cardinals tailback Chase Edmonds in free agency. The Dolphins already have Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed and Gerrid Doaks under contract. Phillip Lindsay also is a free agent after similarly emerging late for the Dolphins following his November acquisition off waivers from the Texans.

Leaving UM as the program’s all-time leading rusher, Johnson spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns before requesting a trade. He was sent to the Houston Texans, where he spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He then opened the 2021 season on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad, but was released in September and was picked up by the Dolphins.

Johnson is also a Miami Norland High alum and Miami Gardens native, growing up near Hard Rock Stadium.