BEREA, Ohio — Nick Chubb is wearing the wrong colors, and Browns fans can’t bear to watch. The former Cleveland running back was never supposed to leave town. His straightforward running style belonged in this city.
But earlier this week — avert your eyes — Chubb signed with Houston for a reported $2.5 million guaranteed (up to $5 million with incentives). Chump change for a franchise pillar, but the Browns chose a different path. They distanced themselves from Chubb, drafted two rookie running backs and, without saying it, told us the legend had lost his juice.
I hope they’re wrong, and I’m not the only one.
“I love Nick,” Browns star Myles Garrett said Tuesday at mandatory minicamp. “I think a lot of the guys who are in this locker room still feel the same way as I do. It crushed us to see him get injured and have to battle through, and then it happened again. So we want the very best for him. Happy to see him still able to play, still able to do his thing. I want to see him go back to being a player that he was and have a smile on his face, continue to ball out.”
One step further: I hope Chubb wins a championship with the Texans next season. I hope he churns meaningful yards again behind quarterback C.J. Stroud. And I hope that, in the process, he breaks an egg on the Browns’ faces.
That way, both parties get what they deserve.
Start with Chubb, who ranks third on franchise lists for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns but near the bottom in complaints. Always noticed, rarely heard, Chubb spent seven seasons setting the ideal example for younger teammates. Behind the scenes, in front of reporters and on the field, Cleveland could’ve used more Nick Chubbs.
But as Chubb aged and suffered injuries, the Browns saw less value in the veteran. This time last year, general manager Andrew Berry proclaimed that Cleveland would not let Chubb’s Browns career end with the season-ending injury he suffered against the Steelers in 2023. But Berry’s tune changed after Chubb averaged 3.3 yards per carry and broke his foot last season, to the point where Cleveland disregarded its best player’s wishes.
Garrett said Tuesday that he lobbied Browns leadership to retain Chubb this offseason, and his reasons hold merit. For one, “(Chubb) means a lot to the fans, and he means a lot to us as well in the locker room...” Garrett said Tuesday.
We’re not pushing for Perrion Winfrey, here.
For another, Garrett still thinks Chubb can play. Yes, the running back turns 30 this year. And sure, he has suffered season-ending injuries in consecutive years.
But “I won’t put any kind of parameters, expectations or limits on his future, what he can do,“ Garrett said. ”Because he’s broken through all the ceilings that we’ve set for him with the recovery from the injuries that he’s had, how substantial they’ve been, and yet, he’s come back (and) excelled to be able to play at a high level..."
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?
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.
Doesn’t sound like I’m the only one.
“No mixed feelings,“ Garrett said Tuesday. “I hope and wish the best for him. “That doesn’t change whether he’s here or anywhere else. If we play him, I hope to punish him. But if (I am) seeing him on TV, playing on Sundays or Mondays or whatever it is, I’m going to be happy for him because he’s able to play this game. That’s the privilege.”
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