Blinksportsnews247With 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. That would be contingent on Chubb appearing 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.
Browns Want to Make it Work With Nick Chubb
The preference for the Browns is to bring Chubb back on a new, reworked deal. He’s a no-nonsense superstar and is looked to as a leader in the locker room. Not to mention he’s been a force for Cleveland since arriving as a second-round pick in 2018.
The Browns’ priority is to bring Chubb back to a new, revised contract. He is a no nonsense superstar and is considered a leader in the locker room. Not to mention, he’s been a force in Cleveland since being a second-round pick in 2018..
In six seasons, Chubb rushed for 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns. His career 5.3 yards per carry ranks among the league’s elite.Browns GM Andrew Berry made it clear that the Browns will work with Chubb this offseason to find a way forward.”What I can say for myself or anyone in the organization is that no one wants to see this the last time he carries the ball for the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh,” Berry said. – I came to this season with conditions from one to ten, 10 for Nick. This year is 20. I would not have thought that it would be over for the season when he was in the building. He seems to be doing exercises twice a day for the purpose of rehabilitation.
Browns RB Kareem Hunt to Test Free Agency
The Browns relied on a one-by-one approach with Chubb on the sideline. Jerome Ford did most of the work, although Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong Jr. also contributed.
The Browns signed Hunt shortly after Chubb’s injury. Hunt finished the season with 411 yards on 135 carries, averaging 3.0 yards per carry. He made his biggest contribution in short yardage situations with a team-best nine.”I have a lot of respect for him, the way he played and the way he played,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said at the Jan. 14 postseason press conference. “Before Nick’s injury, we didn’t have a place. But to Kareem’s credit, he stayed in great shape, we got him in shape, he looked great. I got into the system straight away and played very good football for us. He made high leverage plays and scored touchdowns.
Despite Stefanski’s good review, the Browns are letting Hunt try free agency. He didn’t get much of a snap last season, but he found a home with the Browns in his short yard work. Strong and Ford signed a contract for next season.
Blinksportsnews247
