Jake TrotterESPN Staff Writer September 20, 2023, 10:49am ET3 minutes read
Stephen A.: Chubb’s injury highlights the conflict between running backs and owners
Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe sympathize with Nick Chubb’s injury and discuss how his situation highlights the current issue between running backs and NFL ownership.
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Cleveland Browns are bringing back Kareem Hunt to help repair their backfield following All-Pro Nick Chubb’s season-ending injury.
Terms were not disclosed, but a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday that Hunt had signed a one-year deal worth up to $4 million. Chubb was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move.
Hunt and Chubb played together for the last four seasons and formed one of the NFL’s strongest running back duos.
Now, Hunt will partner with second-year Jerome Ford, who replaced Hunt as Chubb’s backup earlier this season.
Hunt’s familiarity with the Browns’ offense played a key role in Cleveland targeting him, although Ford is expected to be the team’s lead back going forward.
Hunt managed 1,874 yards with the Browns from 2019 to 2022. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry and scored 16 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 132 passes for 973 yards and scored seven more scores.
The Cleveland native requested a trade last year after the Browns declined to extend his contract. However, Cleveland was unable to complete a deal before the trade deadline and Hunt finished the season with the team. Since March, Hunt visited several teams, including the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts, but remained a free agent.
Chubb injured his left knee in the second quarter of Monday night’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had to be carted off the field. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed this week that Chubb’s injury would require surgery.
“You’re not replacing Nick Chubb,” Stefanski said. “You just don’t do that. Great players in the league, if you look around, they’re going out. It’s always not one person replacing a player.” [Chubb’s] Caliber. So everyone has to do a little more, a little more everywhere.