Browns: The Running Back Contract Contract Conundrum

Everyone’s brain immediately flashes to Browns running back Nick Chubb. The star is signed through the 2025 season. Thus, Cleveland fans will not have to worry until after next season. 

The value of the running back has been up for debate as of late. Indeed, the NFL has transformed into more of a pass-first league compared to back in the days of Big Jim Brown (rest in peace) and Leroy Kelly. 

Essentially, teams have to decide on the value of the running back and if a long-term contract is even worth having a great player sign. This is because as players age they take a true beating and lose value as their play diminishes with age. 

Think about almost every time a running back touches the ball, he ends up getting tackled and taking those hard hits from defenders. That can not be beneficial for the future.
 
Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson signed a five-year 246 million-dollar contract with the Browns in 2022. By the way, all of that money is guaranteed. Whereas the aforementioned Nick Chubb signed a three-year 36 million-dollar contract with the Browns that guarantees 20 million of that and also a 12 million-dollar signing bonus. 

See the difference between quarterback and running back here in Cleveland?

This is the same Chubb that rushed for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013. That’s fantastic, right? Well, yes it is for the most part. An interesting nuance is that Chubb carried the ball 302 times.

Why does that matter? 

The front office is going to take into account the wear and tear on the body as the years go on and an extension is needed. That many hits is not good. 

Currently in the NFL, running back Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants finally signed a contract after an ugly holdout. This is a one-year deal worth 11 million and a two-million-dollar signing bonus. 

Additionally, running back Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders is in a holdout of his own and has refused to report to training camp. 

Well, kids. Growing up plan on being a quarterback and not a running back if making the most money is the dream. 

There are going to be contract debates and disagreements between players, agents, front offices and teams in any sport, any year. It simply appears the running back position is now at the center of attention for the time being.  

Frankly, the quarterback position is just more valuable and it shows with the amount of money teams are willing to pay them. Running backs will continue to fight for their money and it will be interesting to see how the various contracts in the coming years change for better or worse. 

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