With important decisions looming, the future of standout running back Nick Chubb remains uncertain as the Cleveland Browns enter a critical offseason.
Chubb has little comfort in recent memory because the hard facts of NFL economics have eclipsed his indisputable contribution to the team, both on and off the field. Running backs have not had a good run lately in the market. Additionally, Chubb faces a few obstacles.
In the first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2, Chubb had a devastating knee injury. His ACL and MCL were both reconstructed in two different surgeries, the most recent one taking place in November.
During his news conference at the end of the season, Browns general manager Andrew Berry referred to Chubb’s deal as the “elephant in the room.” For the upcoming season, Chubb will count $15.8 million against the cap. On his pact, he does not, however, have any guaranteed money left. The Browns would only have $4 million in dead cap if they released Chubb.
With Chubb, the Browns have alternatives, including the ability to extend him to reduce his contract hit for the upcoming season. In doing so, one would hope that Chubb appears to be the unstoppable force he was prior to the injury.
Despite Chubb’s exceptional qualities, ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes the four-time Pro Bowler could still be a cap casualty.
Graziano wrote on Tuesday, February 13, “He’s 28 years old, coming off a major season-ending knee injury and scheduled to earn $12 million in non-guaranteed money in the final year of his contract.” He is certainly a candidate for an extension, but he might also lose out on cap space. In any case, Chubb might be the most recent indicator of the unsatisfactory running back market.
The Browns would love to bring Chubb back under a revised, new contract. He is regarded as a leader in the locker room and is a no-nonsense superstar. Not to add that since joining Cleveland in 2018 as a second-round selection, he has been a powerhouse.
Chubb has gained 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns via the pass six seasons. His 5.3 yards per rush over his career is among the best in the league.
Clearly, the Browns will work with Chubb this offseason to figure out a way forward, according to Browns General Manager Andrew Berry.
“Nobody wants to see that carry in Pittsburgh be the last time he carries a ball for the Cleveland Browns,” Berry remarked, speaking for himself and everyone else in the organization. “I had a respect level of 10 for Nick going into this season, on a scale of one to 10. It’s a 20 at the end of this year. The way he moved around the building, you would never guess that was out for the season.
During his final-season news conference on January 14, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed his gratitude for the player and his style of play. Before Nick got hurt, we didn’t have a place. To Kareem’s credit, though, he maintained excellent physical health; we brought him in, worked him out, and he looked fantastic. quickly readapted to the scheme and gave us some excellent football play. He produced plays at critical junctures and scored scores.
Even with Stefanski’s positive assessment, the Browns are anticipated to allow Hunt to experience free agency. Despite not receiving many bites during the previous summer, his experience with the Browns in the short yardage should help him earn a spot. Both Ford and Strong have contracts for the upcoming season.
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