Browns Stun The NFL By Sending Superstar RB Nick Chubb To NFC Contender In Blockbuster Trade Proposal

Nick Chubb (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Cleveland Browns superstar running back Nick Chubb is entering the final year of his contract, so one can’t fully rule out the possibility of a move between now and the 2024 trade deadline.

Nick Chubb suffered a gruesome season-ending knee injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Fortunately, 2022 fifth-round pick Jerome Ford was up for the challenge and did a fine job replacing the four-time Pro Bowler by recording 1,132 yards of offense and nine total touchdowns.

According to OvertheCap.com, the Browns are projected to be $42.215 million over the salary cap at the start of the 2025 offseason. Chubb will be entering his age 28/29 season, so it’s hard to envision Cleveland offering a long-term deal to a veteran who plays a devaluing position.

So there’s a case to be made that the Browns should trade Nick Chubb and get something in return rather than lose him for nothing. With Ford proving himself as a capable RB1, a Chubb trade should be considered by GM Andrew Berry.

One team that makes perfect sense for Chubb is the Dallas Cowboys, who lost RB1 Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Ezekiel Elliott was brought back on a one-year deal, but he’s simply not a starting-caliber RB at this stage of his career.

Dallas is in win-now mode with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Zack Martin, Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs. A top-five RB like Chubb could easily produce nicely behind that elite Dallas o-line for several more years.

What Cowboys Should Offer For Nick Chubb

Since Nick Chubb is approaching his 30s and in the final year of his contract, the Browns can’t expect too much of a return from Dallas. Their purpose in making this move is to clear cap space.

Dallas should offer a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick that can become a third, depending on Chubb’s playing time, and a 2026 fifth-round pick. This is a fair return for a player at a devaluing position, and it opens the door for Cleveland to run with Ford on a bargain rookie contract.