There was some speculation that the Cleveland Browns could be moving on from star running back Nick Chubb during the 2024 NFL offseason. Coming off a lost 2023 campaign because of a devastating knee injury, many people wondered if the Browns would move on from Chubb this offseason to save some money.
The injury that Chubb suffered in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers could have been career-threatening. He had to undergo multiple surgeries, with the first being in September to repair his medial capsule, meniscus and MCL. In November, he underwent a procedure to fix the damage his ACL suffered.
There were concerns about his long-term availability because the left knee is the one Chubb suffered a catastrophic injury to collegiately while at Georgia. He tore his ACL, MCL and PCL while playing with the Bulldogs in 2015.
Despite that, there is optimism that Chubb will be able to get back on the field at some point during the 2024 season. And, it will be with the Browns, as the two sides agreed to a reworked deal to ensure he remains in Cleveland for at least the 2024 season.
As shared by Jake Trotter of ESPN, “A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Browns reduced Chubb’s salary cap hit from $15.85 million to $6.275 million and that the running back can earn up to $12.2 million next season based on performance levels he was achieving prior to his season-ending left knee injury last year.”
Prior to the injury, Chubb was undoubtedly one of the best running backs in the NFL. The Browns leaned heavily on him as the centerpiece of their offense and he always answered the call.
Chubb had broken the 1,000-yard mark in four consecutive seasons, including a career-high 1,525 in the 2022 campaign. He has been extremely efficient in his career, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and not having a single season where he was below the 5.0-yard-per-carry mark.
With a nose for the end zone, Chubb has 48 rushing touchdowns in his career. He registered at least eight in every season prior to 2023. As consistent as they come at running back, getting Chubb back in the lineup would be a huge boost to the Browns offense.
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