Chubb racked up 6,511 yards and 48 rushing touchdowns over six seasons, playing in 12 or more games in every year except his last. Without Chubb, Cleveland was forced to put together a proper backfield in 2023, relying on second-year linebacker Jerome Ford, returning veteran Kareem Hunt, sprinkling speedy linebacker Pierre Strong, and falling out of the top 10 in rushing yards in the NFL for the first time since the 2019 season.

The Browns have provided limited and vague updates on Chubb’s progress as he attempts to return from the injury, which requires two separate procedures to properly repair the torn ACL. Some have wondered whether the injury and Chubb’s high number — $15.825 million in 2024 — might prompt Cleveland to release the homegrown hero in order to save money on what could ultimately become a bad investment. Instead, the Browns are protecting themselves financially by giving Chubb the opportunity to recoup some of his salary through his performance.

First, Chubb must complete his recovery and return to the field. After being caught almost empty-handed last season, the Browns have prepared accordingly, stocking up on running backs this offseason while adding Nyheim Hines and Donta Foreman to a room that already included Chubb, Ford, Strong and John Kelly, bringing their team up to a total of six running backs ahead of this draft. the month.

Chubb could complete an excellent comeback story worthy of year-end award consideration if he returns to his form in 2024. And judging by Wednesday’s news, Brown isn’t completely convinced at this point that he will do that.