Well, there is always this conundrum and it comes on multiple fronts. The Cleveland Browns are 3-10 currently, with absolutely no chance to make the playoffs this year. Thus, the question is if the team will “tank” for better draft picks or still go at it to the finish line. Of course, they’d never admit to purposely losing it, but it’s always a thought.
Browns running back Nick Chubb was asked about shutting down for the rest of the year because of his health and this is what he said about that:
“I have a long way to go before I shut anything down,” Chubb said. “So I mean, every time I go out there, it’s practice reps, game reps, it’s me just getting better physically, mentally, all around, so I’m nowhere near shutting it down. Not even a thought.” – Cle Dot Com
Honestly, I think any player has to say that and frankly, Chubb has been good with his words ever since being a Brown.
However, think about if another injury were to occur in one of the final games that was similar to one of the previous that were sustained earlier in his football career. Torn MCL, dislocated knee cap, amongst others. Ouch…
It’s definitely pessimistic to play the what-if game, yet isn’t there a reason that common folk wear a seatbelt in the car? It’s to be safe, just in case. That’s what the Browns would be doing by having Chubb sit for the final games of the season. It’s not like anything can be won in the final weeks this year and actually losing would be better to get that higher draft pick and a healthy Chubb next year.
My mother asked me if the dishes were done and I said, “Nick Chubb.” She understood they were “washed” and was so proud of me. She told my father and he was proud of me but said I’m still “Zach Shafron” and so my own dad thinks I’m washed. Oh, well – HAHA
With the way Chubb has played in these seven games this year, it appears that Father Time may not be on his side anymore and is…undefeated.
The back has 93 carries on the year for 291 yards (3.1 average) and three touchdowns. Those are very pedestrian numbers from one of the greats in his previous years.
This will make this offseason interesting if the Browns re-sign Chubb and for how much and how long, moving forward. The questions would be about said ability and then the health factor too.
The original contract:
Nick Chubb signed a three-year $36.6 million contract extension with the Browns in 2021. Chubb received $20 million in guarantees including a $12 million signing bonus. Following an injury, Chubb agreed to renegotiate his contract in 2024, dropping his salary cap number by $9.9 million
Of course, Chubb is one of the most likable athletes in all of Cleveland Sports History and it would be a disappointment if he was unable to work something out to stay in Cleveland for the rest of his career. Yet if the Browns want to be realistic and another team is willing to offer more, he could sadly be heading elsewhere to finish it all off.
First, let’s just finish this year off healthy. Then look towards the future.
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