The Washington Commanders’ running backs for the 2024-25 season will be Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Robinson Jr. demonstrated that he can be a useful running back in this league, but if the Commanders want to reach their full potential, they should search for a No. 1 this offseason. Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns should be pursued as a free agent or trade candidate.
Chubb might be cut by the Browns to free up contract money. According to Bryan DeArdo of CBS, he would have a $16 million salary cap charge, but cutting him would cost the Browns only $4 million. Given that he recently underwent a second knee surgery, his asking price should be reasonable. For Commanders, it’s an excellent buy-low opportunity. A potential transaction might involve a 2024 fourth-round selection pick and a 2025 fifth-round draft pick. Given the damage he has received, determining his value is difficult.
Prior to his injury, Chubb may have been traded for more than a fourth- or fifth-round pick. However, the two knee ailments cause concern. If the Browns want to keep him, they will have to accept a significant financial damage. If they want to deal him, there isn’t much value. Regardless, the Browns face a difficult dilemma.
Chubb viewed as a cut candidate.
Chubb is seen as a player who could be released this offseason due to his contract. Even if he hadn’t been hurt, the Cleveland Browns would most likely have restructured his contract.
That is still a possibility, but NFL.com’s Matt Okada believes Chubb will be on a different club unless a big reorganization occurs.
“Chubb had four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances until sustaining a horrific, season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of this past season. The pounding rusher, who is 28 years old and coming off his second major knee injury, will have a $15.825 million cap hit in 2024 (third-highest among RBs). The Browns, who are presently projected to be almost $20 million over the cap, could undoubtedly benefit from the $11.8 million saved by removing Chubb. He should return to play someplace in 2024, but unless there is a huge deal renegotiation, I doubt it will be in Cleveland.”
The Washington Commanders have the requisite cap space to complete this type of deal.
Commanders Offence Needs Changes.
The Washington Commanders’ offence requires changes this offseason. That all starts with who they take with the second overall pick. It is likely that the Commanders will select a quarterback with that choice.
If they do, he must be surrounded by offensive weaponry. When healthy, Chubb was considered the best running back in football. He recovered from his first knee injury and demonstrated that he was still capable of becoming exceptional. While recovering from the second one will be difficult, the Commanders should be willing to take the risk.
The Athletic’s NFL Staff identified Chubb as a possible cut candidate, but the Cleveland Browns prefer to keep him.
“The Browns want to keep Chubb and believe he can be a reliable fourth-quarter closer in the second half of next season. However, Chubb is recovering from two surgeries on his ailing knee, and he is scheduled to carry a salary cap charge of just under $16 million in 2024, the final year of his deal and his age-28 season.
If they want to relocate him, the Commanders could make an interesting landing point.
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