Exclusive! Nick Chubb on ‘Bubble’ With Browns

Due to his contract, Nick Chubb is at risk of being cut from the Cleveland Browns’ roster.

Although Nick Chubb may be on the bubble with the Cleveland Browns, it does not necessarily indicate that his tenure with the team is coming to a close.

Due to his contract, Chubb was recently included in Spotrac’s “2024 NFL All-Bubble Team”. His current three-year deal worth $36.6 million will expire this year. The Browns could free up approximately $12 million of important cap space should they choose to release him from the team.

According to Michael Ginnitti from Spotrac, the Browns are likely to terminate their current contract with Chubb but come up with a new deal that benefits both parties.

Ginnitti noted on February 19th that while the Browns undoubtedly desire a fit Nick Chubb at the helm of their offense once again, it may prove challenging to achieve this goal. Given their current -$20 million cap space situation, discharging themselves from the obligations posed by the Chubb contract would perhaps be necessary and release $11.8 million for utilization elsewhere in team operations. That being said, an agreement could potentially still be reached regarding alternative terms more favorable to both parties involved.

During Week 2’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chubb sustained a severe knee injury. To remedy his torn ACL and MCL, he underwent two separate surgeries; the most recent was in November. While it is anticipated that Chubb will return some time during next season, there isn’t an exact timeframe for his comeback.

If the Browns sign Chubb to a new agreement, they could include performance-based bonuses based on his playing time if everything goes as planned.

The Browns are aware that Nick Chubb’s situation requires attention.

Nick Chubb is desired by the Browns for next season, but a contract restructure will be necessary.

The Browns have recognized the need to address Chubb’s contract during this offseason. Andrew Berry, the team’s general manager, referred to it as an “elephant in the room” while speaking at a press conference held at season-end. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Cleveland desires their four-time Pro Bowler on board for next year.

Berry said, “I speak for myself and everyone in the organization when I say that we don’t want to see Nick’s last carry with the Cleveland Browns be in Pittsburgh. At the beginning of this season, my respect level for him was already at a 10 out of 10. After witnessing his work ethic during rehab while being sidelined for so long, it has now doubled to a rating of 20. He worked tirelessly within our building as if he were participating in two-a-day practices.”

Chubb’s impressive career includes 6 seasons with 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns. His exceptional average of 5.3 yards per carry ranks him among the league’s top performers. Despite suffering an injury during his stellar start to another remarkable season, Chubb had been on track for yet another phenomenal performance.

It is unlikely that Kareem Hunt will be brought back by the Browns.

There is little chance that the Browns will re-sign Kareem Hunt.

Should the Browns make the unfathomable decision to release Chubb, finding a replacement for his key contributions would prove challenging. During his absence in the previous season, Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong Jr were tasked with carrying much of the team’s weight.

The main responsibility fell on Ford, as he amassed 813 yards while carrying the ball 204 times and scoring four touchdowns. When Chubb was injured, Hunt signed up to take charge of gaining short yardages. He concluded the season with a total of 411 rushing yards from only 135 carries but impressively scored eleven touchdowns in the process.

According to various reports, it is improbable that the Browns will rehire Hunt for the upcoming season. Additionally, he received a negative evaluation from ex-Browns running backs coach Stump Mitchell. Nonetheless, should Chubb’s schedule require it, Hunt may serve as an inexpensive and temporary alternative for their rushing offense.