For the first time in years, the Cleveland Browns won’t have Nick Chubb carrying the ball.

The running back had a down year last season after sustaining a devastating knee injury in 2023, and the Browns opted to let him go as a free agent this offseason.

Fans urged the Browns to bring him back, even if it was in a lesser role, but the team reportedly didn’t want to re-sign him unless he was going to be heavily involved in the offense.

Jimmy Watkins of Cleveland.com put the organization on blast for this decision, wishing Chubb all the best with the Houston Texans and hoping that the Browns will rue letting him go.

“An All-Pro level? Unlikely. Career averages? Call it a long shot. But even in a reduced role, it’s hard to believe Chubb couldn’t help the Browns. Rookie running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson wouldn’t improve from watching Chubb in workouts or meetings? Jerome Ford at $1.8 million or Pierre Strong at $1.1 million is more valuable than Chubb at $2.5 million?” Watkins wrote. “At the very least, I hope not. I hope Chubb churns meaningful yardage again. I hope his Texans win like Cleveland couldn’t. And I hope the Browns regret letting him walk, even if it hurts their fanbase.”

Chubb was a class act on and off the field.

He became a pillar of the community and a fan favorite not only for his stellar play but also for his personality and leadership.

Like Watkins said, it’s hard to believe he wouldn’t be an upgrade over Ford and Strong, even if the new rookie tandem handles the bulk of the workload.

The Browns could have given Chubb an incentive-based contract to show that he’s still got it.

However, teams rarely are emotional when they make this kind of decision.