Report: Browns vets irked by Mayfield's comments about Johnson
Several veterans on the Cleveland Browns voiced their displeasure to Baker Mayfield about his pointed comments regarding disgruntled running back Duke Johnson, sources told NFL Network's Michael Silver.
The second-year quarterback publicly chided Johnson on June 4 when he was asked about the latter's trade request.
"Obviously, he's going to handle his stuff how he wants, but you're either on this train or you're not. It's moving - you can get out the way or you can join us," he said. "... He's gotta do his job. He said he's a professional, I hope he does his job."
The veterans hashed out their differences with Mayfield, according to Silver.
Johnson's trade request stemmed from a lack of projected playing time behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The latter will be eligible to join the active roster after serving an eight-game suspension.
The Browns added plenty of talent in the offseason, though Silver reports they've also struggled to transition to new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. As a result, first-year head coach Freddie Kitchens, who finished last season as the interim offensive coordinator, has apparently spent more time than expected on installing his system.
Cleveland finished last season 7-8-1 and hasn't made the playoffs since 2002.