After losing Nick Chubb to a brutal injury in yesterday’s game against the Steelers, the Browns find themselves in need of adjusting the running back room. With the way Deshaun Watson was playing in the first two games of the season, it’s likely that the running backs will remain a focal point of this offense moving forward. Let’s explore several potential options, each with its own unique approach.
Trade for a running back
If the Browns were to pursue a trade for a running back, the player would need to either be a significant enough upgrade over Ford, justifying giving up even more of the Browns limited draft capital, or be available at a somewhat attractive price. Two of the three options that I am about to present are relatively straightforward, while the third might be a little under the radar.
1. Jonathan Taylor
While it is impossible to replace Nick Chubb for the Browns, Jonathan Taylor might offer the closest thing available to Chubb’s skillset. He possesses similar breakaway speed and size to Chubb, although Taylor might not quite match his exceptional contact balance and nasty jump cut. It’s worth noting that Taylor is currently on the PUP list due to an ankle injury, with an expected return around week 5. Acquiring Taylor would likely come at a significant price tag, as reports suggest the Colts are seeking a package equivalent to approximately a first-round pick. Given that the Browns currently do not own a first rounder, they would probably have to give up their second-round pick and potentially include another depth player or additional picks to secure the deal. Because of the high price to pay, it’s unlikely the Browns would make this move if they only intended to play Taylor this season. However, in a worst-case scenario where Chubb’s injury is significant enough to affect his availability beyond this year, the trade could become a more viable option.
2. Cam Akers
Akers is another running back currently on the trade market due to his dissatisfaction with his role on the team. He lost his starting job to second-year player Kyren Williams and was subject to rumors about being a locker room distraction. Akers has had a career marked by ups and downs, along with injury concerns, but during certain stretches, such as the end of last season, he looked like a starting-caliber running back in the NFL. With the Rams actively shopping Akers, he might be available for a mid- to late-round draft pick. However, he likely would be part of a running back committee, which may not align with his interests. Additionally, given Akers’ smaller frame, adding him to the room would leave this group lacking in terms of size. While acquiring Akers could be a cost-effective option to provide competition and depth alongside Ford and Strong, there are free agents available who could offer a similar impact on the team.
3. Rashaad Penny
While it might be a bit of a long shot, when browsing the running back depth charts across the league, the Eagles really stand out as a team with a lot of good, not great, running backs. Although Penny has missed more games than he has played due to injuries, as a former first-round pick he is an intriguing player with impressive physical tools. He possesses a similar combination of speed and size as Chubb, allowing him to power through defenders while also having the agility to elude tacklers and break long runs. Given the crowded running back room in Philadelphia and Penny’s limited playing time with just 9 snaps thus far, the Browns might have an opportunity to acquire him for a mid- to late-round draft pick as well.
Sign a free agent
1. Kareem Hunt
Adding Hunt is probably the most plug-and-play option currently available to the Browns. He already knows this offense, having played the last three seasons under Stefanski in Cleveland. While he may not threaten defenses with speed to the outside, he is a very physical runner who can get you tough yardage and provide a valuable change of pace when paired with Ford, as he previously did with Chubb. Hunt may not see as many snaps as Ford, given that he’s not the player he once was, but he remains a competent running back in a league flooded with talent at that position. Considering his expressed desire to stay in Cleveland last season, he might even be open to a hometown discount, provided his relationship with the Browns hasn’t soured due to a lack of a contract offer in the offseason. I believe a deal in the range of 3-5 million dollars would be enough, and he’s the most likely option at this point.
2. Leonard Fournette
It’s somewhat surprising that Fournette remains a free agent. Whether that is due to his asking price being too high or a result of the challenging market conditions for running backs at the moment remains uncertain. His skillset suggests that he could serve as more of a bell-cow running back, drawing defenders into the box and testing their morale with his hard-hitting running style. Much like Hunt, he could potentially set up some big runs for Ford by providing a distinctly different running style, keeping opposing defenses on their toes. Additionally, his playoff and Super Bowl experience would bring valuable veteran leadership to the room. Contract-wise, I believe he might cost a bit more than Hunt, likely in the range of 4-6 million dollars, which should still fit within the Browns’ budget.
3. Ronald Jones
Jones, a former second-round pick by the Buccaneers, has struggled to find a home after two decently productive seasons in Tampa where Fournette eventually took over as the primary back. He’s not the biggest back and also lacks elite top-end speed. Nevertheless, he is a very smooth mover in space and while he might not have the homerun speed to get to the house, he can still deliver chunk plays. I don’t consider this signing to be very likely due to the other available options and the absence of a larger, more physical back in Cleveland. However, I wouldn’t rule it out entirely either.
In conclusion, as Stefanski emphasized in today’s press conference, “you don’t replace Nick Chubb!” Nevertheless, given the challenges this offense, particularly the passing game, has faced, the running backs will play a major role in this team’s offensive success. My sincere wishes for a swift and complication-free recovery go out to Nick Chubb, who truly embodies the heart and soul of this team.
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