Cleveland swiftly shut down any speculation about their fan-favorite running back being moved
Despite the Cleveland Browns’ rough 2-6 record fueling trade rumors around Nick Chubb, the team’s latest move involving their star running back should silence any talk of him being dealt.
Chubb made his highly anticipated return after more than a year away during Week 7, providing a spark for both the Browns' offense and their fan base. The four-time Pro Bowler had been recovering from a severe knee injury sustained in Week 2 of last season, which demanded two surgeries and countless hours of intense rehabilitation to bring him back to game form.
Chubb has slowly worked his way back to action. He notched 16 carries for 52 yards last week in a victory against the Baltimore Ravens.
At full health, Chubb is undoubtedly one of the premier running backs in the league, making him a compelling name in trade discussions. However, any speculation about his departure seems unfounded, as the Browns solidified their commitment by naming him a team captain this week.
Chubb takes over one of the captain roles previously held by Deshaun Watson, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured Achilles.
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"I named him a season-long captain with Deshaun not out there," Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said on Friday.
It's appropriate, considering what Chubb means to Cleveland and vice-versa. Chubb agreed to a restructured deal that worked out for both parties this offseason and he expressed gratitude for the Browns in a letter he released via "The Players' Tribune" prior to his return.
"Look, I know the deal. I had no guaranteed money left. The Browns had all the leverage," Chubb said. "They could’ve left me high and dry, like so many guys in this league. But they had my back. You all had my back."
Chubb will be a free agent next offseason. He's rushed for 6,585 yards and 49 touchdowns during his career — all with the Browns.
