The Browns start to free agency has been off to a slow start as they try to figure out what they are going to do at quarterback, but a former Pro Bowl running back could still be in the plans.
BEREA — There is no question that the first two days of the NFL’s ‘legal tampering’ period has been underwhelming for the Cleveland Browns. The biggest move–and it was a big move–came before free agency began, when the Browns announced that they had signed edge rusher Myles Garrett to a four-year, $160 million contract extension, including over $122 million guaranteed. The move not only made Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, but removed the dark cloud over the organization since Garrett demanded a trade from the Browns.
In the first two days of the negotiating period, there have only been three moves made by the Browns that have been reported. The NFL league year officially begins at 4 pm. on Wednesday when players can officially sign contracts and teams can announce moves.
So far, the Browns traded quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round draft choice for Eagles backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, agreed to terms with offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas and edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, while also are bringing back linebacker Devin Bush.
The Browns need some good news and some good happen in news the Browns are bringing back one of their most beloved players, which could happen as soon as Wednesday or in the following days after the new league year begins.
The OBR ran a story on Tuesday in ‘Insider Update’ on the possible return of Chubb.
“Running back Nick Chubb remains an option. Talks haven’t gotten anywhere yet, but there may be an important reason for that. The team is likely to offer him a qualifying offer, which would pay him $3 million, but only count $1.5 million against the salary cap. That offer cannot be made until the league year begins, so if Chubb is going to re-sign, that won’t happen until Wednesday at 4 pm. at the earliest.”
At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, GM Andrew Berry was asked if he expected Chubb to become a free agent when the NFL league year began on March 12.
“I do expect Nick to hit the market… Obviously, his contract is up this year,” Berry said on Feb. 25. “We’ll meet with his reps and everything like that, but obviously, it’s something we need to work on in the next couple of weeks.”
Many in the media projected the end of the Chubb era with the Browns to happen when Berry said that he expected Chubb to become a free agent.
Spotrac projected Chubb’s market value as a free agent as one year for $3.26 million.
Chubb has said numerous times that he would like to remain with the Browns, but that does not sometimes, matter in the NFL.
On March 5, The Greetham Angle wrote: “Chubb is a free agent and wants to stay with the Browns, but the Browns cannot rely on him returning to the level of play that he performed at before the injury in 2023. He had 332 yards in eight games after returning in 2024, but averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. The Browns cannot approach the offseason relying on Chubb getting back to his pre-injury yards per carry average of 5.3.”
