Cleveland Browns: Just how valuable is Nick Chubb?

As Nick Chubb heads into a contract year, do the Cleveland Browns plan to extend him or let him walk after this season?

The Cleveland Browns have managed to create one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL over the past couple of seasons. Last season, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt combined for more than 2,300 yards from scrimmage. This potent and methodical rushing attack was integral to the success of the 2020 Browns.

Heading into 2021, every piece of that rushing attack is staying the same. The Browns return all five starting offensive lineman and Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb are both back as well. With another season of experience together it is only right to expect that the dynamic rushing duo should be able to get even more yards than they got last season.

However, with how much talent the Browns have brought in since general manager Andrew Berry took over, it is going to start to be difficult to retain key players.

This brings up a difficult decision for the Browns front office as Chubb heads into the last year of his current contract. Do the Browns sacrifice money at more valuable positions or let their star running back walk?

The knee-jerk reaction of just about every Browns fan should be “of course the Browns should bring back Nick Chubb.” And there is good reason to think that.

Chubb has gotten more than 1,100 yards from scrimmage every season since he has been in the NFL. He also contributes without the ball in his hand as he is one of the best pass-protecting running backs in the NFL.

On top of that, he also brings things to the table that don’t show up on a stat sheet. He has never caused any problems in the locker room. He keeps to himself and doesn’t cause problems. In today’s NFL that cannot be overlooked. Chubb is an overall team player.

A player of Nick Chubb’s caliber, at just about any other position, would warrant an unquestioned contract extension. But the recent history of running back contract extensions has to make you rethink it, even if it is Chubb.

Running backs typically wear down faster than any other position in football and No. 24 is no stranger to this as he has faced multiple gruesome injuries throughout his college and professional career.

Chubb is currently slated to use just under $4.25 million of the Browns 2021 cap space, according to Over the Cap. Top-5 running backs in the NFL are making at least $12 million a season, and the Browns would need to be in that range if they wanted to offer him an extension.

They could also attempt to sign him to the franchise tag which is projected to fall in between $10 million and $13 million for 2022. Keeping Nick Chubb after this season is going to get expensive.

One thing to remember is that Wyatt Teller is also up for free agency after the 2021 season. The front office’s decision will likely come down to who they think is more valuable: Teller or Chubb.

Interior offensive lineman and running backs are both relatively replaceable. The big difference is that the performance of offensive linemen is often dependent on the other four linemen playing next to them. A star offensive lineman does not make as much impact that a star running back does.

As it stands, the Browns should plan on offering Nick Chubb the franchise tag after this season and letting Wyatt Teller walk. Even though running backs are easily replaceable and easily injured, it is worth it for the Browns to bring back Nick Chubb as one of the best running backs in the NFL.