Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of the 2023 campaign, going down with an MCL and ACL tear that clouded his future with the team. With the 2024 NFL offseason underway, it appears Cleveland has decided on his future.
Thanks to the Deshaun Watson contract, the Browns are not in a favorable cap situation this offseason. Currently, Cleveland is nearly 420 million over the projected 2024 NFL salary cap and they must create room to sign their 2024 draft class and bring back key players.
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- Nick Chubb stats (career): 6,511 rushing yards, 48 rushing touchdowns, 5.3 yards per carry
With Chubb heading into his age-28 season, there were concerns regarding his long-term effectiveness. He already suffered a torn MCL, PCL, LCL and a dislocated knee during his college career with the Georgia Bulldogs. Now fighting his way back from an ACL tear, the Pro Bowl running back was viewed as a viable cap casualty in 2024.
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Previewing Cleveland’s potential offseason moves, ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler noted that Chubb could potentially have his contract restructured by Cleveland or sign a contract extension. One thing he made clear, though, the Browns want Chubb back for the 2024 season.
“Will the Browns rework or extend running back Nick Chubb’s deal, which includes a $15.8 million salary in 2024, coming off a major knee injury? Possibly. They are on record as wanting to keep him.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb returning for 2024 season
- Nick Chubb contract: $15.825 million cap hit in 2024, 2025 NFL free agent
- $11.825 million cap savings if designated as a pre-June 1 release
With Chubb expected to remain on the Browns roster in 2024, it likely means free agent Kareem Hunt won’t return to the team next season. In Chubb’s absence, Jerome Ford proved to be an effective starter. Moving forward, Cleveland will likely split touches between the two especially as Chubb works his way back.
While Chubb will be back in Cleveland next season, passing on the cap savings by releasing him means there will likely be other cap casualties. As for the star running back himself, how he performs in 2024 will likely dictate whether or not he sticks around in Cleveland beyond next season.
