Several NFL writers and reporters have claimed this winter that the Cleveland Browns could move or release popular running back Nick Chubb in early March unless the team commits him to a contract extension that may include a salary drop.
It looks that at least one of the alternatives listed above is not on the table.
According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, “nothing has changed” since general manager Andrew Berry insisted in January that Chubb isn’t going anywhere as the 2018 second-round draft pick continues to recover from the torn ACL, torn MCL, torn meniscus, and torn medial capsule he suffered on September 18.
Cutting Chubb would save the Browns $11.825 million and leave them with only $4 million in dead cap space. However, Cabot stated that Cleveland can renegotiate contracts for multiple other players without having to make a definitive decision on Chubb’s deal before the new league year begins on March 13.
“The Browns will meet with Chubb’s agents, possibly as soon as the NFL Combine in Indianapolis next week, and discuss parameters for a restructuring — and possible extension — that will enable Chubb to make most or all of the money he’s due this season via incentives and bonuses,” Cabot said in a statement.
Chubb was 28 years old in December, which would have made him a declining player at the position in the eyes of many if he hadn’t suffered a devastating injury in Week 2 of this season. However, as Christopher Smith wrote for the ClutchPoints website, many Browns supporters took to social media this week to express their displeasure if Cleveland parted away with the franchise’s widely recognized face.
Berry and other Brown family members appear to have heard such messages loud and clear.
“Chubb has meant as much to this team in the new era as Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, and the Browns will do right by him,” Cabot said in a statement. “He’s a team and fan favourite, and the Browns understand that money isn’t everything. They’ll make a sound financial judgment, but they’ll also lead from the heart on this one.”
It’s way too early to say whether Chubb can ever regain the form that propelled him to four Pro Bowl appearances, but he appears to have a shot to do so with his lone NFL home.
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