A Cleveland Browns offensive star has been named a likely cap casualty for the 2024 offseason. The Browns will need to maneuver around some cap this offseason to keep the books above board for the upcoming season. Per Over the Cap, the Browns are in the red by over $19 million.

The Cleveland Browns have money tied up at QB
Much of the Browns cap is devoted to Deshaun Watson. It’s unclear if Watson will face another suspension for the 2024 season after the 2023 season, in which he dealt with multiple injuries and finished the season on injured reserve.

Nick Chubb could be a cap casualty
The Browns could part ways with another elite player who missed much of last season. Per Matt Okada on the NFL’s website, Nick Chubb’s days are likely over in Cleveland:

Chubb made four straight Pro Bowls before suffering a grisly, season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of this past season. At age 28 and fresh off the second major knee injury of his playing career, the pounding runner carries a $15.825 million cap hit in 2024 (third-highest among RBs).

The Browns — who currently project nearly $20 million over the cap — could certainly use the $11.8 million in savings they would gain by cutting Chubb. He should return to play somewhere in 2024, but barring a major contract restructure, I don’t think it will be in Cleveland.

The Browns must consider drafting Chubb’s replacement
Chubb has been a dangerous running back for the Browns since they drafted him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s averaged 5.3 yards a rush for his career. Chubb earned four straight Pro Bowl appearances from the 2019-22 seasons. He made the league’s second-team All-Pro in 2022.

The Browns depth chart behind Chubb isn’t great. The team will have to consider drafting Chubb’s replacement in April. That will certainly be a much cheaper option than keeping Chubb or signing another running back in free agency.