Entering free agency after battling multiple injuries, the Cleveland Browns are facing the possibility of losing Nick Chubb. A four-time Pro Bowler, Chubb has been among the NFL’s top running backs in recent years, but his injury history is hard to overlook.
If a team is willing to take a chance on him, Chubb could still perform at an elite level. His talent is undeniable when healthy, as shown by his impressive 2022 season, where he rushed for 1,525 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.
Despite his injuries, Chubb’s lowered market value might work in the Browns’ favor. With limited cap space, a reduced price tag could make re-signing him more realistic.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently predicted Chubb could land a one-year deal worth $4 to $5 million, a manageable figure for Cleveland.
“Four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb returned from last year’s devastating knee injury, largely underwhelmed in a bad Cleveland Browns offense, and finished the year early with a broken foot.
However, a return to Cleveland would make a lot of sense for the 29-year-old, in part, because the Browns value him… Another year removed from the knee injury, Chubb could return to being the game-changing back he was before it—and the Browns probably offer the best opportunity to rediscover his Pro Bowl form.
“After firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, Cleveland appears poised to return to Kevin Stefanski’s zone-running, play-action-based offense, which complemented Chubb well in the past… From a contract standpoint, a short-term ‘prove-it’ deal in the $4-5 million range would make sense,” Knox wrote on January 27.
Browns Urged to Re-Sign Chubb
Nick Chubb holds a special place in the hearts of the Browns organization and its fans. While injuries have impacted his recent performance, Chubb remains a one-of-a-kind player both on and off the field.
Highly respected in the locker room, Chubb has been an integral part of the team’s culture. For a franchise aiming to establish a stronger identity, retaining a player like Chubb could be invaluable.
Lane Dobbins of BrownsWire recently advocated for the Browns to bring Chubb back in 2025.
“Nick Chubb has a special place in the lore of our beloved franchise. He stands tall next to the legendary Jim Brown, who is the only Browns player to have rushed for 1,500 yards in a single season and at least 1,000 rushing yards across their first four seasons…
“However disappointing his on-field performances have been as of late, the presence of Nick Chubb in the locker room as a leader and a role model remains the same… The Browns need Nick Chubb. The city of Cleveland needs Nick Chubb. Securing his return to the team in 2025 should not take a second thought from this front office,” Dobbins wrote on January 21.
Will the Browns Re-Sign Nick Chubb?
The Browns’ decision on Chubb will depend heavily on how the rest of their offseason plays out. Re-signing him likely won’t be the team’s top priority, as they have other pressing needs to address.
With limited funds, the Browns will need to get creative with their cap space to accommodate Chubb. However, for a deal in the $5 million range, the value of having him on the roster, even in a reduced role, could outweigh the cost.
Whether or not he’s the same player he once was, Nick Chubb still brings something special to the Browns—on and off the field.
