The Cleveland Browns will face some difficult financial decisions in the coming months, including the future of Nick Chubb.

The Browns’ star running back is currently rehabbing from a major knee injury that required two operations. The most recent of these surgeries occurred on November 14. Chubb is anticipated to return to the field sometime next season, but his timing is undetermined.

Chubb’s contract is the big issue. Cleveland would save $11.8 million under the cap by releasing the four-time Pro Bowler. Given the Browns’ budgetary constraints next season, that cap space will be quite valuable. According to Spotrac, Cleveland is presently estimated to lose $13.9 million.

Bleacher Report named Chubb as the Browns’ most likely cap casualty this offseason.

“The NFL is a tough business, particularly for running backs. Nick Chubb has been a fan favorite and a valuable asset over his six years with the team, but he is a 28-year-old running back coming off a season-ending injury that necessitated two surgeries. According to Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department, Chubb is anticipated to recuperate sufficiently to return during the 2024 season. “Still, paying top dollar for a running back who is hitting the age where many backs decline and is coming off a potentially career-altering injury is a tough pill to swallow.”

Kicker Dustin Hopkins and tight end Jordan Akins were also mentioned as cut candidates.

There are still many unknowns about Chubb’s future. This is the second significant knee injury he has sustained in his playing career. In 2015, he tore the same knee while attending college at Georgia.

When healthy, Chubb is one of the league’s best running backs. Last season, he carried for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns. It was his fourth consecutive season of rushing for more than 1,000 yards.

Chubb has an average of 5.3 yards per carry throughout his career. But will he be able to achieve it when he returns to the field? This is a $11.8 million question for the Browns.

The Browns could release Chubb but re-sign him to a lower contract that includes incentives for playing time and production. If the 28-year-old resembles his former persona, he may have another opportunity to cash in.

Moving on from Chubb would not be an easy decision for the Browns. During Chubb’s absence this season, Cleveland relied on Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt, and Pierre Strong Jr. However, the ground game suffered in Chubb’s absence.

The Browns concluded the season averaging 115.2 yards running per game but just 3.9 yards per carry, ranking 26th in the NFL.

Ford totaled 813 yards on 204 carries. He also grabbed 44 passes for 319 yards and scored 9 total touchdowns.

Hunt is a free agent who might consider returning to Cleveland for a sixth season. He finished the season with 411 yards and 135 carries, averaging 3.0 yards per carry.

Given how the running back market has lately evolved, the Browns may attempt to acquire a cheap veteran. They might also target someone in the draft.