Q: Could Nick Chubb be this year’s Joe Flacco?
— John Palazzo
A: I appreciate the optimism and think it’s an interesting question.
From an emotional standpoint, I think the return of Chubb could be even more impactful. To listen to his teammates and coaches rave about his work ethic for years, and remembering the heartbreak they felt after the injury last season, it’s overwhelming how much they value and appreciate him. I’m not diminishing Flacco’s galvanizing effect in the locker room last year, but that always felt temporary. Chubb remains the heart and soul of the team.
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And I would never doubt Chubb’s ability to change the game on the field. He’s been one of the top two or three runners in the league since he got the chance in 2018 and he’s back for the final 11 games, as opposed to Flacco’s short stint. Having said all that, I think it’s expecting too much for Chubb to transform the offense from his position. This team won’t be able to turn around the season unless Deshaun Watson and the passing game improve dramatically. Maybe Chubb’s presence will relieve enough pressure and Watson can find the confidence necessary to save the season.
But Chubb hasn’t played in 13 months and is coming off his second major left knee reconstruction. I think it’d be wise to temper expectations.
Q: What are appropriate expectations for Nick Chubb this season as he works his way back onto the field this week?
— @ideashift
A: The million-dollar question.
For today, I think Chubb will get 10-15 carries and play 25-35 snaps. Those numbers should increase through the season.
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What I can’t answer is how effective he’ll be. Chubb referenced being back to his former self, but that would be remarkable given everything the knee’s been through. If he’s 90 percent of the Pro Bowler he’s been, then that should qualify as a huge success.
Q: What’s your guess as to the next starter to hit the trade block? I’d say perhaps Joel Bitonio to an OL-needy team (e.g. the Jets) and perhaps Jack Conklin to somewhere like the 49ers as a reliable backup. That might generate an additional 4th- and 5th-rounder for 2025 if both get moved. Also, they might as well put Myles Garrett on IR so he can get his legs/feet fixed for next year.
I’d guess they’re going to try to get a QB with their top 3 pick, sit the new guy to learn next year and then start him in 2026 — the earliest they can extricate themselves from the league-record disaster known as D. Watson.
What’s your take?
— C.Cole
A: Well, I talked to defensive end Za’Darius Smith this week about potentially being traded to the Lions and he was open to the idea, so I’m going with him. He seems to fit the bill of a veteran late in his contract. Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson is a healthy scratch again today, so the Browns would deal him if they could get anything in return.
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As for Bitonio and Conklin, I think they’re making too much money for another team to want them. I also feel Bitonio is an “untouchable” given his remarkable run with the franchise. The situation would change dramatically if he asked to be traded in what could be his final season.
But while we’re on the offensive line, I think left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. would be an attractive commodity for a lot of teams. He’s in the last year of his rookie contract, and if the Browns don’t plan to give him an extension, they’d be smart to get a valuable draft pick in return.
Garrett’s feet/legs have improved and I’ll think he’ll continue to play. It’s important to him. If they’re 1-10, the conversation could change.
I agree the Browns will focus on a quarterback at the top of the draft. But I don’t think they’ll punt on 2025. With talent like Garrett, Denzel Ward and David Njoku, they should try to win every season.
Q: Why hasn’t one reporter mentioned the “Modell” leaving the city rule? That could prevent Haslam from building outside the City of Cleveland.
— Bill
A: I don’t think it’s accurate to say nobody has mentioned it, but it hasn’t gotten a ton of run. One of the reasons is a move to Brook Park, as opposed to Baltimore, might not qualify as “leaving the city.” The other is the Browns can negotiate with the City of Cleveland to keep it from trying to enforce the law.
I know Cleveland City Council wants the city to enforce the law, so I haven’t ruled out it being a factor. And the Browns are keeping an eye on the situation.
Q: What final hurdles, if any, stand in the way of the Haslams creating Jimmy’s World in Brook Park?
— @ideashift
A: The $1.1 billion in public funding they’re seeking is the big one. They’re confident they can get bonds and won’t have to put a tax issue on the ballot. But Cuyahoga County officials haven’t supported the move, along with the City of Cleveland, so that feels like an obstacle that must be cleared. The other is the aforementioned “Modell Law.”
Regardless, the organization is going full speed ahead toward the move.
Q: So is Kadarius Toney ever gonna get elevated??
— @enzopalazzari
A: He has to be healthy for that to happen.
He was injured when he signed to the practice squad, then practiced for a week-plus. He’s been out the last two weeks.
If he were healthy, I think the team would be quick to activate him, especially after the trade of Amari Cooper.