The Cleveland Browns had a weekend highlight that did not involve training camp.
On Saturday evening, news broke that the Browns and running back Nick Chubb agreed to terms for a three-year contract extension.
Browns and Nick Chubb reach agreement on a 3-year, $36.6M extension with $20M guaranteed, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/wCHgW0cHSL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 31, 2021
Many fans hoped this would happen before the 2021 regular season began so there was both glee and a collective sigh of relief that the Browns have their star running back for four more years until the end of the 2024 season.
Retaining Chubb was a no-brainer; virtually everyone agreed the Browns should do it.
Here are the reasons why.
3. Expiring Contract
As a practical measure, everyone feared what would happen if Chubb did not get an extension before the season.
He is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract.
The Browns are not akin to using the franchise tag so it was unclear if that was a possibility for the 2022 season.
Then, there were the grim thoughts of Chubb entering the free agent market at the end of this year.
All of this spelled disaster for the Browns franchise and fanbase.
2. Productivity
Football is all about statistics, and Chubb’s stats are top notch.
Nick Chubb has averaged 5.23 yards per carry since entering the NFL in 2018, the highest rate in the NFL among running backs with at least 150 carries during that span. https://t.co/2IrCKgE4OH
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 31, 2021
He is one of the best in the league.
Last week, Marshawn Lynch compared Chubb’s style to his.
Nick Chubb getting the Marshawn Lynch endorsement 👀 pic.twitter.com/0xWXt7oQR1
— PFF (@PFF) July 28, 2021
High praise from Beast Mode.
Yes, the Browns have Kareem Hunt in the backfield also.
However, that combination of Chubb and Hunt has proven to be extremely successful.
When Chubb was injured for four games last season, the running game suffered.
The Browns are a better team in every way when Chubb is in the starting lineup.
Nick Chubb averaged 10 yards per carry in the fourth quarter of games last year. Not a typo.
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) July 31, 2021
1. Character
This guy is the real deal.
He does not say much.
When he does, the words mean a lot.
#Browns Nick Chubb: "It’s an honor to put on the orange helmet and represent the city of Cleveland and these great fans. I’m happy that I will be able to be here for many more years."
— Brad Stainbrook (@BrownsByBrad) August 2, 2021
He is a team-first guy; the individual stats are not what he is after.
Remember when Nick Chubb trolled the entire world with this play 😂😂😂😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/EF3j1q1F6R
— PayDenzelWard SZN💰💰💰 (@camfromthe216) August 1, 2021
Chubb is a player who works extremely hard without seeking the limelight.
A perfect example of this happened when Chubb fell 46 yards short of tying Derrick Henry for the NFL rushing title in 2019.
Chubb was asked about his feelings on coming so close.
“[It did] not really bother me. Just more motivation. Trying to do it this year. Just working out, as I always do, working hard and running hard. I believe everything happens for a reason, and you just keep working and striving and things will fall into place for you. That is my mindset.”
There was no bitterness or negativity from Chubb.
Conclusion
In 2021, Chubb is running behind arguably the best offensive line in football.
Guard Wyatt Teller could be a free agent at the end of the season.
Chubb is just one of the core group of young talented players on the Browns roster.
Though Chubb will be spending the next few years in Cleveland, there is no guarantee that the offensive line and other integral parts of this team will be able to stay together.
The deadline to win for the Browns is now, but Chubb is a one day at a time kind of guy.
Tony Grossi to Nick Chubb:
"Do you believe the Browns will be in the Super Bowl before your contract is up?"
Chubb: "All I know is we've got a pretty tough practice coming up this afternoon."
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) August 2, 2021
If Chubb helps his team get a Super Bowl championship in 2021, his contract will be some of the best dollars spent by the Browns since GM Andrew Berry took over before the 2020 season.
NEXT: Browns Locking In Pieces For Eventual Baker Mayfield Contract Extension