Cleveland Browns: Chris Hubbard remains extremely valuable, underrated

Chris Hubbard remains the unsung hero of the Cleveland Browns

In less than a year, offensive lineman Chris Hubbard went from overpaid and overrated to one of the most under-appreciated players on the roster of the Cleveland Browns. As the Browns have one of the most improved and effective offensive lines in the league, Hubbard will not be headlined as a contributor towards that.

But he should be.

Hubbard has made himself indispensable in Cleveland this season, and remains a big piece to the continuity puzzle up front for the Browns. Originally carrying the burden of a massive five-year, $36.5 million contract, Hubbard and the Browns mutually agreed to restructure his deal in year-three of the deal this offseason.

Hubbard’s paycut paved way for retained roster spot

This restructure included a paycut and a year off of Hubbard’s initial deal, but the bonus for the veteran offensive lineman was that the majority of that paycut became guaranteed. Not only does Hubbard keep his roster spot and make sure he has guaranteed money on his restructure, but the Browns were allowed the flexibility to pay him like a backup. A true win-win for a player who looked to be on the fringe of the roster after his struggles as the starting right tackle in 2019.

Now, Hubbard is assuredly making sure he returns in 2021 for the Browns, and he may just get a nice extension after that either in Cleveland or with another team should he seek another starting job. What has made a player who was on the edge of the roster into an indispensable asset?

What makes Hubbard indispensable to Cleveland Browns

After signing former Pro Bowl and first round pick Jack Conklin in free agency and the addition of Jedrick Wills in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, it became clear Hubbard would be relegated to the bench. While every player wants to be a starter in the NFL, Hubbard has thrived in his reserve role for the Browns, and a part of that is due to the amount of starting experience he brings to the team.

An undersized tackle, Hubbard has used his athletic ability to cover the chasm left from lacking arm length and weight. This has made him a valuable asset, as Hubbard has the body of a guard and the starting experience of a tackle; both have come in handy this year for the Browns.

At various points in the season the Browns have been struck with injuries to two different starters in the from of right tackle Conklin and right guard Wyatt Teller. In both of those cases, Hubbard has stepped in seamlessly at both tackle and guard, starting four games this year, playing the majority of the snaps in five. Just last night in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Hubbard stepped in at left tackle as well as the rookie Wills limped off for nine snaps.

Hubbard deserves all of the praise

In every case, no matter if it was right tackle, right guard, or left tackle, Hubbard has stepped in and performed up to snuff. This is an incredibly difficult job to fill as a swing lineman in the NFL, and Hubbard has done it to perfection. Unlike a year ago, Hubbard has not been a liability, and for a player like him who has played a significant role in five games this year, his name has not been talked about or mentioned.

This is a great thing for a swing lineman and spot starter as it means they are executing efficiently within the offensive system. From overpaid to underappreciated, Hubbard has revived his career in 2020 to the point where he may get another chance to prove his worth as a starter elsewhere when his contract expires after the 2021 season. As the Browns sit with a record of 9-4, Hubbard deserves praise for his ability to fit wherever the Browns ask him to.