Now, the operating again faces an unsure future as he enters free company. If Chubb had his approach, he’d stay in Cleveland for the remainder of his profession. The veteran informed Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal that he’d “in fact” choose to re-sign with the one workforce he’s ever performed for and wish to full a deal “before later.” The RB additionally cautioned that he’s “unsure the way it’ll work” because it’s his first true journey to free company.
“Man, only for me, town of Cleveland means (a) lot,” Chubb mentioned. “To me, it’s a particular place. The individuals in Cleveland make it nice, the followers and simply the individuals across the metropolis. However all the time a particular place to me in my coronary heart. I beloved it right here and it’ll all the time be dwelling, it doesn’t matter what.”
Chubb went on a historic run by means of his first 5 years within the NFL, averaging 1,466 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns per season. This culminated in a 2022 marketing campaign when he compiled 1,764 offensive yards and 13 scores en path to his first All-Professional nod. Then, as talked about, Chubb’s profession hit some main setbacks. He’s been restricted to solely 10 video games throughout the previous two seasons, and his half-season return in 2024 noticed him common a career-low 3.4 yards per contact.
This subsequent deal will characterize the third contract of Chubb’s profession; the previous second-round decide inked a three-year, $36.6M extension with the Browns in 2021. The workforce reworked that contract final offseason to guarantee Chubb would stay in Cleveland for the 2024 marketing campaign, however his future past that could be very a lot unsure. Browns GM Andrew Berry beforehand acknowledged the RB’s contributions to the group whereas additionally describing the participant’s impending free company as a “difficult scenario,” a possible trace that the workforce might look to maneuver on.
Whereas Chubb’s current foot damage isn’t anticipated to impression his 2025 availability, the participant’s current damage historical past will certainly impression his market worth. Whereas groups ought to be prepared to gamble on his previous manufacturing, the upcoming free agent will probably be exhausting pressed to garner a profitable contract in free company. Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs barely cracked $12M common annual values final offseason, whereas Derrick Henry needed to accept a two-year, $16M deal. Chubb will possible must go for a prove-it deal this offseason, though maybe he might earn again some cash through incentives.
That contract might nonetheless come from the Browns, who don’t essentially have a succession plan on the place. Jerome Ford didn’t essentially run away with the job whereas filling in for Chubb, and the previous fifth-round decide is one in all solely two RBs signed for the 2025 marketing campaign (together with Pierre Robust).
