Over the last few years, the Cleveland Browns have developed a solid young core.
The future is bright in Cleveland, but it’s going to be tough attempting to keep all their key players.
General manager Andrew Berry quickly built a roster that is a Super Bowl threat.
However, it’s never easy trying to re-sign your core players and making tough decisions on players you cannot afford to keep.
Cleveland needs to get ahead of the problem and sign a few of their core players before the 2021 season begins.
Nick Chubb
Nowadays, teams are beginning to get cautious when it comes to offering long-term extensions to running backs.
For example, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams made it extremely difficult on themselves by paying their franchise running backs big money.
Often times, organizations would rather move on to a cheaper option than run the risk of paying their superstar back and being hopeful they continue playing at an elite level.
That being said, the Browns shouldn’t have to worry about Nick Chubb slowing down anytime soon.
The two-time Pro Bowl running back continues to get better each and every season.
Make that ✌️ touchdowns for Nick Chubb!#CLEvsBAL pic.twitter.com/LVpv3ImAxi
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 29, 2019
Last season, Chubb rushed for 1,067 yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns in 12 games.
Obviously, he missed time due to injury, but was still able to get over 1,000 rushing yards while missing four games.
Fans have seen the contracts for running backs skyrocket over the last few years.
Everyone wants to be the next highest-paid player and organizations are beginning to tighten up with the amount of money they want to spend.
Chubb is well deserving of being paid as one of the top running backs in the league.
He has proven himself on the field and will likely get paid what he wants in free agency, assuming the Browns don’t extend him.
It sounds like Chubb wants to stay in Cleveland, but we’ll see if the front office can strike a deal.
#Browns RB Nick Chubb on Kareem Hunt's extension and if he sees himself playing with Hunt in Cleveland long term:
"I hope so. I wouldn't mind staying here with Kareem for as long as I can."
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) September 9, 2020
The demand for Chubb is likely only going to increase if the Browns don’t extend him soon.
Another Pro Bowl type season would surely hike up the price tag when it’s time to discuss an extension.
The Browns have plenty of other young players to sign as well, but Chubb needs to be the main priority right now.
Wyatt Teller
Cleveland got an absolute steal when they acquired guard Wyatt Teller from the Buffalo Bills.
In 2019, the former fifth-round pick was traded to Cleveland in exchange for a couple late-round draft picks.
At the time, Cleveland thought they were getting a rotational type of player that could fill-in until they signed or drafted a better option.
In 2020, Teller came alive and ended up being one of the biggest breakout players in the league.
He was one of the top-graded guards throughout the entire season and is well deserving of a new contract.
Wyatt Teller: 94.1 PFF Grade (1st)
The #Browns guard is looking like a ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/jqM0DtQZQ5
— PFF (@PFF) October 9, 2020
His current deal expires after the 2021-2022 campaign, so the Browns should consider making a move before the season starts.
It wouldn’t be shocking if Teller somewhat regresses from his stellar year in 2020.
However, he should still remain a reliable option and an above average guard, which is not always easy to find.
The Browns should strike while the iron is hot, assuming both sides can come to an agreement.
Teller has only put together one solid year of play, so his contract demands shouldn’t be too ridiculous.
The two sides should be able to find a middle ground before the season begins.
NEXT: 3 Bold Predictions For CB Denzel Ward In 2021