Running back Nick Chubb suffered a severe knee injury on Monday night and is now out for the season. It’s a devastating injury for the Cleveland Browns as Chubb was the centerpiece of their offense. The Browns now have some decisions to make on who will be the starting running back going forward. There are a couple of ways the Browns could go so let’s break down some of their options.
Jerome Ford
Jerome Ford filled in admirably for the Cleveland Browns after Chubb exited. He showed explosiveness and vision and was a threat in the passing game. Even though he looked the part in relief, can he handle the full-time role?
That’s tough to say as we haven’t yet seen Ford handle more than 16 carries in a game (which came on Monday night). That said, if they stay with Ford they wouldn’t have to give up any draft picks or take a hit against their cap.
Kareem Hunt
Update: Hunt has signed a one-year deal with the Browns worth up to $4 million.
Kareem Hunt is still a free agent which is somewhat surprising. Hunt is still only 28 years old and was productive in 2022 backing up Chubb. The fact that he is still available leads me to believe his asking price is too high for teams to pull the trigger. If that’s the case would he take less money to return to Cleveland?
Possibly, now that he knows he can handle the majority of the carries. Like Ford though Hunt’s most carries in a game in 2022 was 13. If Hunt was signed we would most likely see a mix of him and Ford.
Cam Akers
Cam Akers is once again in Sean McVay’s dog house and this time it looks like the Rams are ready to trade him. I like the fit here with Akers in the Browns offense and there are rumors they have interest. Akers would likely cost a mid-round draft pick and the Browns have 8 total picks next year.
I could see the Rams letting Akers go for a 5th or possibly a 6th and the Browns have two of each. Even in an up-and-down 2022 Akers had 7 rushing touchdowns and 786 rushing yards. At 24, Akers still has plenty to offer if he goes to the right situation.
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