The Cleveland Browns are coming off an extremely challenging yet rewarding season that resulted in just their second playoff appearance since 2003. Part of those difficulties included season-ending injuries to some of their best players, including Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb.
Now, as the front office embarks on an offseason that’s sure to feature plenty of turnover, there’s some doubt about keeping the pack together in 2024.
Nick Chubb mentioned as potential cut candidate for Cleveland Browns
On Friday, the NFL announced a new record-high salary cap of just over $255 million. These new figures will surely help a Cleveland Browns team that is facing a $63.9 million cap hit from Deshaun Watson alone.
Yet, the Browns are actually set to enter the offseason already over the 2024 salary cap limit, meaning tough decisions are inevitable. This likely means the Browns will turn to some of their highest-paid players in hopes of restricting their contracts. But we could also see some surprising cap casualties too.
If so, Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team suggested Nick Chubb could even be on the chopping block.
His reasoning is due to the $11.82 million in cap savings offered by releasing Chubb this offseason. Doing so would also leave behind $4 million in ‘dead money.’
While Meirov notes Chubb’s importance to the Browns, he also suggests his recent ACL, MCL, and meniscus injuries may lead to Cleveland asking one of the NFL’s best running backs to take a pay cut. If Chubb says no, the Browns may feel inclined to cut him for the cap savings.
As of now, Chubb’s $11.77 million salary is not guaranteed for the 2024 season.
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