Nick Chubb will return to the Browns next season.
The Cleveland Browns are about to face a difficult situation involving Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb.
After sustaining a season-ending injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chubb is out for the entire campaign. In order to fix his knee, Chubb, 27, required two surgeries, the most recent of which was performed on November 14.
Without any baggage, Chubb has been the team’s engine, producing on the field. From the time Chubb was selected in the second round in 2018 to the present, the Browns have placed a great deal of reliance on him. During the previous season, he ran for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns. He had over 1,000 yards of rushing for the fourth straight season, and his career 5.3 yards per carry ranks among the best in the league.
Many people hope that he won’t ever wear another uniform during his NFL career because he is a fan favorite. However, as Zac Jackson of The Athletic noted, the numbers as of right now might make that difficult. Jackson made a possible fix pitch.
On the podcast “Civilized Barking,” Jackson stated, “Nick has no guaranteed money but his cap number is $16 million and it would be $4 million in dead money to cut him.” “I believe a revised contract would be the solution with both Nick and Jack Conklin.”
The Browns insist that they expect Chubb to be a member of the team the following season. However, many questions remain after major knee surgery.
“Try to imagine that Nick Chubb will come back to assist you in October or November of next year. Evidently, that’s what everyone desires,” Jackson remarked. But since we don’t know if this team will need the money, things could get hairy. Nick Chubb had two significant knee replacements. Only a few months ago was the second one.
The weak running back market is another element hurting Chubb’s chances. The Browns had to make a decision regarding Chubb’s future even prior to his injury. With the difficult circumstances facing running backs, he was set to be an anomaly, but the injury now casts doubt on his future.
Chubb became one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL in 2021 when he inked a three-year, $36.6 million contract extension with the Browns. Although a restructured contract isn’t what he probably had in mind going into the season, it would allow Chubb to demonstrate his continued ability.
Jerome Ford Fills in for the Browns
Chubb has visited various parts of the facility and traveled with the Browns to the West Coast. Jerome Ford, who has taken the lead back position for the Browns, has benefited from his mentoring.
Ford is the team leader in yards (628), carries (145), and receiving yards (163) from 27 receptions. In all, he has five touchdowns.
“He’s definitely matured.” On Thursday, November 30, Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said, “I’m really proud of his efforts, his ability to run the ball.” He has scored some huge runs for us; his three ten-yard runs last week were excellent. Every day, he takes the same approach. He has excellent leadership in the room, in my opinion, along with Stump Mitchell and other outstanding professionals. Since Nick Chubb is present, he is aware of the necessary preparations and what to expect on game day.
For the Browns, Pierre Strong Jr. and Kareem Hunt have also contributed. With 139.5 team rushing yards per game, Cleveland is third in the league.
