Starting this Thursday and continuing through the rest of the season, I’ll be releasing a weekly article analyzing a different Cleveland Browns position group and how it might shape up for the 2025 season.
I’ll include links to previous articles in the series as it progresses: covering Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Tackle, Guard, Center, Edge Defender, Defensive Tackle, Linebacker, Cornerback, Safety, and Special Teams.
Each article will review the current players and their contract statuses, examine their future with the team, and explore potential avenues for new additions. This offseason is expected to see more significant changes than in recent years, as many players don’t have guaranteed contracts, providing the team with flexibility. In fact, only eight players on the roster have guarantees for 2025—more details can be found here.
When it comes to offseason planning, many people focus on the draft first, but that’s not how the league operates—unless you have the top pick. The priority is to assemble a complete 53-man roster by the end of free agency, then adjust based on how the draft unfolds, since you can never predict how the board will fall.
To kick things off, we’ll examine how Andrew Berry has structured the running back room at the start of each season:
– 2020: Chubb, Hunt, Johnson, Janovich
– 2021: Chubb, Hunt, Johnson, Janovich
– 2022: Chubb, Hunt, Johnson, Ford
– 2023: Chubb, Ford, Strong
– 2024: Ford, Foreman, Strong (Chubb on PUP, Hines)
We’ll also take a look at how many running backs have been on the 53-man roster and practice squad for Week 1 each season under Berry’s management.
The Cleveland Browns are expected to enter the 2025 season with three running backs on their final 53-man roster and one on the practice squad. Andrew Berry and other forward-thinking teams typically bring four roster-worthy players into training camp, ensuring depth in case of injuries and creating competition, so no player feels too secure about their spot unless they outperform an undrafted free agent.
Here’s a breakdown of the Browns’ running back spending over the past few years:
– 2020: $7,135,190
– 2021: $20,220,000
– 2022: $12,630,318
– 2023: $12,590,000
– 2024: $4,755,000
The sharp decline in 2024 was due to Nick Chubb taking a significant pay cut from $12.2 million to $2.275 million. If he stays healthy through the season, he could earn up to $4.3 million based on incentives in his contract.
Nick Chubb
– 2024 Contract: $2,275,000 ($2.05 million guaranteed)
While it’s hard to predict the form Nick Chubb will return in, the first few weeks back from injury aren’t as critical for him. November and December will be the most important months for determining his future earnings and role beyond 2024. We’ll have a clearer picture by the end of the season.
Jerome Ford
– 2024 Contract: $985,000 (no guarantees)
– 2025 Contract: $1,100,000 (no guarantees)
Ford is seen as a replacement-level player, someone who is serviceable but not irreplaceable. Although the team values him, he’s likely to enter 2025 as a depth piece, ideally the fourth running back on the depth chart as the team looks to upgrade this offseason.
Nyheim Hines
– **2024 Contract: $1,495,000 ($0.85 million guaranteed)
Hines adds value as a return specialist, but with limited spots for returning players from IR or NFI, he may not be a priority to bring back. He could potentially return on a veteran minimum deal, but the team’s actions suggest they view him as expendable.
Running Back Roles in 2025
With Chubb’s injury history and reduced workload, his days as a lead back are likely over. Under Kevin Stefanski, he has mostly rotated to stay fresh, and going forward, he’s expected to handle around 40-50% of the workload at best.
The roles behind Chubb in 2025 are likely to be:
1. Proven Running Back: Jerome Ford may fill this role, though the Browns could look to add a more reliable veteran in free agency, especially if Chubb continues to decline. A free agent in the $3-6 million range could be an option if the Browns opt for a more significant upgrade.
2. Upside Prospect: The Browns may also look to draft a running back in the mid-rounds. While Berry’s front office typically reserves early picks for premium positions, with an additional third-round pick in hand, they could target a running back to round out the depth chart.
The predicted Browns running back room for 2025 includes:
– Nick Chubb
– Free Agent Signing
– Draft Pick (Rounds 3-4)
While Chubb will likely remain on the team in some capacity, they’ll look to upgrade the backfield in free agency and potentially add a prospect in the draft. Ford will likely stick around for training camp as a depth option. Depending on the free agent market and draft class, the Browns could solidify their running back corps and address the future of the position. Expect more insights on Chubb’s potential contract extension and the team’s running back spending in upcoming updates.
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