Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry usually prefers to steer clear from addressing contract situations for players who might be heading into uncertain futures with the Browns.
But in his season-ending news conference Monday, Berry made an exception for Nick Chubb.
Chubb, the four-time Pro Bowl running back, is entering a potentially complicated year with the Browns after suffering a brutal season-ending knee injury in Week 2 that required two surgeries.
He will be in the final year of his current contract and will count around $16 million against the salary cap next season.
That price may appear to be steep for a running back who will be turning 29 and is coming off the second major knee injury of his career, but Berry seems committed to ensuring Chubb will be on the roster in 2024.
“Nobody wants to see that carry in Pittsburgh be the last time he carries the ball for the Cleveland Browns,” Berry said.
“And obviously there are things that we’ll have to work through, but that would not be our intention, as well. We obviously will work to keep him on the team.
Even if Chubb’s production slightly declines, he could still be a highly valuable running back — he’s averaged over five yards per carry in each of his six seasons in Cleveland.
His absence clearly affected the offense throughout the season and was one reason why the Browns ranked 12th in the league in rushing yards per attempt, which was their lowest finish since 2019.
Berry could alleviate some of the burden Chubb will carry on the cap through an extension, which will allow him to spread the remaining money the Browns owe him over another season or two.
Such a move would not only help the Browns allocate financial resources elsewhere but also signal the loyalty they share with Chubb, who has been one of the most respected players in the locker room since his arrival in 2018.
