Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is viewed as a potential cut candidate due to the fact that he is coming off of a major knee injury, but it appears that the Browns may end up keeping him after all.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com says that Cleveland is expected to meet with Chubb and his team soon in order to discuss a potential restructure of his contract.
“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 wrote. “Chubb, still months away from being able to practice full-go, is in a position to negotiate with the Browns and probably accept an incentive-laden deal that both protects the club and rewards him for performance.”
Chubb has one year remaining on his deal and is slated to earn $11.8 million next season. Releasing him would save the Browns a nice chunk of change, but given everything Chubb means to the organization, the idea of simply dumping him isn’t so cut and dry.
Cabot added that Cleveland will likely come up with a “creative” solution in order to keep Chubb on the roster while satisfying both parties. She also made it pretty clear that the Browns fully intend on rolling with Chubb in 2024.
The 28-year-old suffered a gruesome knee injury back in Week 2 in which he tore multiple ligaments. He had to undergo two separate surgeries to repair the damage and still does not have an exact timetable for this return.
Nick Chubb, who played his collegiate football at the University of Georgia, was selected by Cleveland in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
He made four straight trips to the Pro Bowl between 2019 and 2022, with his best season coming in the latter year when he racked up 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground while averaging a robust five yards per carry.
The Browns went 11-6 and lost to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs this past year.
