Nick Chubb is arguably one of the best running backs in the NFL.
His talent was on display once again in Week 10 against the Texans as he rushed for 119 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Cleveland Browns have one of the better running back duos in the league with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
Many are assuming that with Chubb due for an extension in the offseason, the Browns will lock him up.
Regardless of whether that is true or not, the Browns need to prioritize bringing Chubb back.
Nick Chubb Needs To Be Extended In The Offseason
Running backs like Nick Chubb are rare to come by.
Physical runner, who has good vision, feet work and explosiveness.
It is obvious the Browns have transformed to a run-first team and having a guy like Chubb helps them get a record of 6-3 and increases their chances of making the playoffs.
We have seen running backs in the past who are similar to Chubb like Zeke Elliott, Alvin Kamara, Todd Gurley, and Joe Mixon who got their pay day.
Nick Chubb's grade/ranks since 2018:
🔸 91.4 PFF Grade (1st)
🔸 110 missed tackles forced on runs (1st)Is Nick Chubb next to sign an extension? Or will Cleveland buck the trend? 👀🤔 pic.twitter.com/HHCLxH5X7M
— PFF (@PFF) September 12, 2020
All the statistics back up Chubb getting his money.
Last year, he was the second-leading rusher in the NFL behind Derrick Henry.
This year, he leads the league in yards per carry.
Prior to him getting hurt, he was just running through every single team.
Shawn Stevenson of Sports Illustrated discusses what Chubb can expect for an extension.
“The projected contract extension for Nick Chubb would be a 4-year, $51.4 million contract. This deal would make Chubb the fifth highest paid running back in the NFL based on annual average value, at $12.85 million per year. Yet, on the same token this number just represents the total cash value on the length of the contract. The guaranteed money is more important for the players’ perspective especially given the short shelf life of the running back position in the NFL.”
It is rare to see a running back receive two big contracts in the NFL.
Their life tends to be short-lived in the NFL as management tends to feel the position can easily be filled.
Unfortunately for Chubb, the Browns may have set themselves up in a position to gain leverage in contract negotiations.
What The Kareem Hunt Extension Means For Chubb
The Cleveland Browns went out on a limb and signed former Kansas City Chief, Kareem Hunt, last year.
In his time with Kansas City, Hunt proved himself as one of the better backs in the league.
After one year with Cleveland, they extended him.
The Browns have Kareem Hunt under contract for three years, giving him a two-year, $13.25 million extension, a source told ESPN. https://t.co/gJCOUed6Kt
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 8, 2020
This benefits the Browns as they keep a solid running back on a fair deal.
Nick Chubb will demand top money for his position and the Browns might be hesitant to give him what he wants.
The signing of Hunt hurts Chubb and helps the Browns.
For the sakes of both parties hopefully, this doesn’t get ugly and result in a holdout.
Especially with what the Browns have been able to do this season.
I know Hunt has filled in for Chubb and had a couple nice games.
But, it is obvious this team is better with Chubb being the lead back and having Hunt as the featured back in the passing game.
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