Speculation over which deserving Cleveland Browns player would be extended first ended this week.
Andrew Berry pulled the trigger on a 3-year deal worth $36.6 million for running back Nick Chubb.
And while fans applauded the move, former Browns GM Joe Banner shared a different take.
This is a shockingly good deal for the team, and bad for the player. Hard to understand what the thinking was from the player side. https://t.co/2T93GHlRVh
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) July 31, 2021
One could argue that Banner’s reaction is a compliment to Berry and the Browns management.
But his intention was obviously to criticize Chubb and his agent for settling at a low price.
Enough so to make any claim to the contrary to fall flat.
Even when you compliment the Browns their fans get mad at you. 🤷♂️
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) August 1, 2021
Maybe Banner’s viewpoint is skewed by his NFL employment history.
But as much as Browns fans love their front office, they love their players more.
And to think they would not take up the defense of Nick Chubb is shortsighted, to say the least.
Banner Engages Critics of His Position
Banner, a prolific social media participant, did not ignore the resulting criticism of his take.
Most professionals realize their viewpoints will be attacked and don’t bother to react to comments.
But Banner engaged with a few of his critics, insisting Chubb should have held out for more money.
I guess you have studied the other RB contracts to know all of this. https://t.co/rm82IfgmOn
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) August 1, 2021
Some fans went with the tried-and-true “That is why you’re not a GM anymore” approach.
Others claimed Banner couldn’t understand how Chubb put the team first by leaving money on the table for others.
There was at least one fellow pundit who pointed out Banner’s similar take to Myles Garrett‘s last deal.
Yes and a couple of weeks after Garrett did a deal a lesser player got almost 10% more. https://t.co/Dom5f40l1D
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) August 1, 2021
On one hand, it is commendable that Banner takes up a conversation with some of his followers.
But the other hand is where the chippiness can make him look defensive.
Banner is willing to die on this hill, even if his argument is less than complete.
As I said, an absolutely below market deal for the player https://t.co/uplGo6h15G
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) August 1, 2021
But there is more to consider than a simple comparison of salary to the player’s overall NFL ranking.
Chubb’s Contract Was Close To Predictions
Banner argues simply that Chubb deserves more money than Ezekiel Elliott and Christian McCaffrey.
But very few analysts predicted such a deal for the Browns running back.
Indeed, most folks predicted Chubb would get something in line with Derrick Henry and Aaron Jones.
He is arguably the best back in football and Mccaffery got about 35% more per year. Don’t see that often. https://t.co/AQTwL8ilpR
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) August 1, 2021
And that is exactly where his salary lands, just behind Henry’s $12.5 million per year.
Coincidentally, Chubb lands just behind Henry in many statistical rankings, too.
Banner’s argument that the best running back should get paid the most is not without merit.
Every time I have written this about a bad deal someone sends me this response. Then two years later the player is holding out or complaining about his deal. Browns have plenty of room to sign all the guys they should https://t.co/Lsjqhmusgz
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) August 1, 2021
But it is possible McCaffrey, Elliott, and Kamara will prove to be the outliers, not Chubb.
And the 3-year duration is consistent with recent trends, as players gamble on a second big deal over long-term security.
Deserved a lot more. https://t.co/oyMYBTEK4I
— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) August 1, 2021
Fans can laud Chubb’s willingness to take a short and cheaper deal for the team.
But the next couple of running back extensions will decide whether it is as bad a deal as Banner suggests.
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Banner doesn’t get the Browns gave 20 million guaranteed with a 36.6 payday total. Could have offered 42 million with 15 guaranteed. Well that might have been better if everything is perfect with his health. Look at the realities of the position and 20 guaranteed is a huge deal. He’s a bright, quiet and focused young man that is confident he can do well with 20 million no matter what happens. Hopefully, he gets all 36.6!
And hopefully we’re debating the value of another Chubb/Cleveland deal in 2024 or so! Thanks for the comment!
Nick Chubb is 100% worth more money and a better overall deal. I don’t like Banner, but he is right on this one.
As of now, the Browns have two good players, Nick Chubb and The Scottish Hammer. Everyone else has yet to live up to their salaries and hype.
Potential, yes, but the Browns are not an elite team until it is proven on the field.
One of my Browns Nation Station podcast partners feels nobody is worth any money unless they bring home a Sujper Bowl victory. Here’s hoping we hit that standard asap! (Thanks for the comment.)
Which of you out there would walk away from a $20M guaranteed deal?
There are very few guarantees in life period. Take it, prove it,Do it again in 3 years. Great deal across the board even based on current market value.
For sure, the NFL is a brutal employer. He could be cut-injured at any time and that has to be in his mind. Thanks for the comment.
The reason Mccaffery and Kamera get more money is because they also have more receptions than most wide receivers which Chubb doesn’t have plus he isn’t the only one in Cleveland’s backfield, he has alot less touches than most of these guys.
I hear ya- value to the team versus ability is a bargaining point. One could say any running back would have success behind the top offensive line and alongside the Browns’ other skill players.
But then I look at a couple of jukes, bursts, and stiff arms and wonder how he didn’t get more. Hopefully, his relatively light usage keeps him healthy enough to land another big contract in 3 years.
Thanks for the comment!
If Banner was our GM we would be 4-13 at best.
If he is so intelligent why is he not a GM?
Because he keeps making stupid remarks like this.
We have a playoff team that is 20 million below cap.
Haven’t seen anything this talented in Cleveland since the 80’s