Reporter addresses how Browns could handle Nick Chubb situation

Cleveland Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer insisted in February that individuals within the organization will "lead with their hearts" regarding the future of Nick Chubb as he recovers from the torn ACL, torn MCL, torn meniscus and torn medial capsule he suffered on Sept. 18. 

For a piece published on Monday morning, Jake Trotter of ESPN shared how general manager Andrew Berry and agent Todd France could agree to a reworked contract for the ball-carrier who turned 28 years old in December. 

"Chubb, who is coming off two knee surgeries and is not expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, has a $15.8M cap hit and no guaranteed money left in the final year of his deal," Trotter explained. "The Browns could offer Chubb the financial guarantee ($4M-$5M?) in exchange for the lower salary/cap hit." 

Chubb has repeatedly been mentioned as a potential salary-cap casualty considering his age and the fact that he's coming off the type of injury that can end an athlete's prime. While Trotter believes the Browns could acquire a rookie running back on the final day of the upcoming NFL Draft, it sounds like Berry and company will give Chubb an opportunity to restart his career with Cleveland whenever the veteran is cleared for contact. 

"Chubb has been the heart and soul of the Browns' locker room," Trotter continued. "Sources say that, even now, he has been in the team facility working out and rehabilitating daily. If anyone can overcome such a serious knee injury and eventually return to being a productive runner, it's Chubb, who is a Cleveland fan favorite." 

As it pertains to business, the Browns could look to what's about to become a filled free-agency market for a new RB1 after the league's salary-cap explosion for 2024. After all, Cleveland became a win-now team when the club acquired quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans in March 2022. 

However, Berry and franchise ownership clearly realize how beloved Chubb is among members of the Browns faithful. It's unknown if Chubb will ever reclaim the form that made him a four-time Pro Bowl selection following his gruesome setback, but signs continue to point to the 2018 second-round draft choice staying with Cleveland through at least January 2025.