Former Bears Starter Signed by Browns as Possible Replacement for Nick Chubb
D’Onta Foreman is being enlisted by the Cleveland Browns to strengthen their running back squad and potentially fill in for Nick Chubb until his return.
Joining the Browns’ running back corps are Foreman, along with Chubb, Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong Jr., and recently added experienced player Nyheim Hines.
Despite playing for three different teams in the last three seasons, Foreman has remained a productive player. During his time with the Chicago Bears last year, he started eight games and achieved 425 rushing yards on 109 carries while scoring four touchdowns.
Foreman had his most impressive season in 2022 as a member of the Carolina Panthers, rushing for an outstanding total of 914 yards on just 203 carries. With an average rate of 4.5 yards per carry and scoring five touchdowns, it was truly a remarkable year for him.
In 2017, Foreman joined the league after being selected by the Houston Texans in the third round. On March 18, he was listed as No.49 among remaining free agents according to Pro Football Focus. Furthermore, PFF graded his performance last season with a respectable score of74.0.
Browns Yet to Make Move With Nick Chubb
Chubb’s contract is anticipated to be restructured by the Browns during this offseason. While he is expected to return at some point next season as a four-time Pro Bowler, his precise recovery schedule remains uncertain.
In Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chubb sustained a severe knee injury that required surgical intervention on both his ACL and MCL. The most recent of these surgeries was undertaken in November.
During his end-of-season press conference, Browns GM Andrew Berry acknowledged the “elephant in the room” regarding Chubb’s contract. Though he will count $15.8 million against the cap next season, there is no guaranteed money remaining on his deal. If Cleveland were to release Chubb, only $4 million of dead cap would result.
Despite Chubb’s underperformance in the recent season, Berry has stated that there are no intentions to let go of him. There could be a possibility for an extension with incentives added to secure his stay at Cleveland while also reducing his cap hit. The Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot believes that the team is not willing to take any risks on Chubb’s ability to regain top form again.
After witnessing Chubb’s remarkable bounce back from his severe knee injury during his time at Georgia, the Browns have high hopes that he can replicate this feat. Cabot expressed confidence in Chubb and described him as possessing a relentless drive akin to Batman’s mentality. The team is banking on Chubb being available for play this season and delivering an outstanding performance similar to when he was awarded four Pro Bowl titles.
Browns Welcomed by Nyheim Hines with Enthusiasm
This offseason, the Browns signed Hines as their second running back. His forte is believed to be his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Throughout his five-year stint in the NFL, he has made 240 receptions while only carrying the ball a mere 348 times.
As a fourth-round selection for the Indianapolis Colts, Hines began his career in the league. However, he had to sit out all of last season while recuperating from an ACL tear that occurred during a jet ski mishap. Now recovered and prepared to take on new challenges, Hines is eager to embark upon his journey with Cleveland’s team.
Hines expressed gratitude on X, stating “Greetings #DawgPound nyghtmare. I am at your service and appreciate the warm welcome to the Land. I’m thrilled to begin working.”
With Chubb out of action last season, Ford became the primary runner for the Browns and garnered 813 yards from carrying the ball 204 times. Even though he was at his peak with a team-high nine touchdowns during that campaign, Kareem Hunt won’t be making a return in the upcoming one.
