Playing in the NFL comes with its own set of risks. Yet not many positions are as risky as that of a running back. They are mostly absorbing hits without dishing them out, which is primarily why their peak playing years are often so limited. Cleveland Browns’ Nick Chubb’s injury during Monday’s match-up against the Petersburg Steelers which ended in a 26-22 defeat for the Browns opened up an NFL spot and room for salary cap speculations. 

With Chubb sidelined, the Browns have recalled an All-Pro running back to fill his spot. Interestingly enough, both Chubb and the free agent played together for four consecutive seasons in the past, forming one of the most effective running back duos in the NFL.

Browns bring back ex-All-Pro running back 

Free agent running back Kareem Hunt is all set to return to the Cleveland Browns for his seventh championship season, the team he played four consecutive seasons from 2019 through 2022. The six-year NFL veteran launched his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, amassing an NFL-high 1,327 rushing yards and earning Pro Bowl honors. He was also the runner-up for the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award that season. 

He was released in 2018 on the pretext of violation of the league’s personal conduct policy following a video of him physically assaulting a woman at the Bay Lodging Resort in Put-in-Bay, Ohio surfaced. Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints were interested in taking Hunt on board for the 2023 season, but it looks like he has made his decision after an offer from the Browns.

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Hunt is all set to lead the Browns by teaming up with second-year running back Jerome Ford, who had initially replaced Hunt as Chubb’s backup for the 2023 season. While opening up a spot in the league, Chubb’s injury further highlights a running back issue that is ever-persistent yet insidious within the NFL salary structure. 

Chubb’s injury opens up RB salary speculations 

The running backs are integral to teams and pick up more field responsibilities as compared to their players- running the ball, protecting the quarterback, catching the ball- yet most teams weaponize the inherent risk against them during talks of negotiation. 

“He was their offense, but they paid him like he was a kicker… I’m about ‘hey you got to start paying these guys because they got a short career.'” said former Bills running back O.J. Simpson on the podcast “It is what it is,” referring to the longstanding contract issues between NFL running backs and franchises. Despite their monumental contribution, they are amongst the lowest-paid positions in the NFL. 

NFL amidst Chubb’s injury had voiced its grievance against the NFLPA encouraging its running backs to leverage injury over contractual. Given the history of running back, salary caps are not absolutely arbitrary.

Chubbs, for example, suffered a serious season-altering knee injury on a foot that had previously injured which might translate to his last year playing for the Browns. After signing a 3-year, $36 million deal back in 2021 his dead cap hit is only $4 million in 2024 which does not leave him with a lucrative contract- in case he becomes a free agent either. 

Kickers in the NFL can continue playing into their 40s while running backs are fortunate if they are able to maintain their effectiveness into their 30s. We ought to wait and witness whether franchises eventually recognize the value of compensating running backs appropriately, and what future awaits the Browns as they prepare to play their next best man.

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