Could Cleveland Browns cut Nick Chubb?

Nick Chubb has become one of the NFL’s top running backs since being selected in the second round by the Cleveland Browns in 2018. That’s why the Browns granted Chubb a three-year, $36 million contract in 2021. But the team may consider cutting the rookie running back this offseason.

Now that the Super Bowl is ended and free agency is approaching, sports media sites have begun to compile lists of cut possibilities. Interestingly, both NFL.com and The Athletic identified Chubb as a possible cut candidate for the Browns.

Chubb has a salary cap charge of $15.8 million for the 2024 season. If he is cut, he will only incur a $4 million dead cap hit.

Why would the Browns consider cutting Chubb? They are currently slated to be over the salary cap, and removing Chubb would save roughly $12 million.

The 28-year-old is also returning from a knee injury that halted his season after two games. He is recovering from two surgeries, so there are clear concerns about his ability following such an accident.

Cutting Chubb would be a difficult decision, given how much the former Georgia running back has meant to the franchise and its fans. Chubb appeared in four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2019 to 2022. During that time, he averaged 1,336 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns per season, earning him a reputation as one of the league’s top running backs.

Though Cleveland might explore cutting Chubb, the two parties are more likely to agree on a revised agreement.