Head coach Kevin Stefanski has frequently called Nick Chubb “the heart and soul” of the Browns. One day last summer, Stefanski was asked to name his favorite player. “That’s an easy one — Nicholas Jamaal Chubb,” Stefanski answered without hesitating. Stefanski has coached the Browns sinc e 2020. Chubb’s work ethic, humility, selflessness, skill and the way Chubb quietly leads by example make him Stefanski’s favorite player. The flurry from the first week of free agency has passed, and Chubb, 29, remains a player without a team. J.K. Dobbins, 26, who played three years with the Ravens and one with the 49ers, is in the same unemployment line. So is 29-year-old Gus Edwards. Running backs not nearly as good as Chubb at his best have already found new homes. Javonte Williams, 24, who last year rushed for 513 yards on 139 carries for the Broncos, got a one-year, $3 million deal with the Cowboys. Elijah Mitchell, who rushed for 281 yards on 75 carries with the 49ers in 2024, signed for one year and $2.5 million with the Chiefs. Chubb suffered a knee injury in the second game of 2023 so severe two surgeries were required to repair it. He missed the first six games of 2024 recovering from the surgery. He played in eight games last season before breaking his foot and missing the last three games. He rushed 102 times for 332 yards — a telling 3.3 yards a carry average — and three touchdowns. It most certainly was not from a lack of commitment to get back to the explosive running style that made him one of the best backs in the league from 2019-22, but the cold fact is the knee injury affected Chubb’s burst when he tried to get through the opponent’s defensive line. He might never regain that burst that enabled him to average 1,336 yards a season in the four years before the 2023 knee injury The way free agency at running back is unfolding shows the Browns made a sound business decision to not re-sign Chubb before the new league year began on March 12. General Manager Andrew Berry knows Chubb is a fan favorite. But he can’t let that affect his judgment, especially since the Browns are in a tight spot with the salary cap. They currently have about $5.6 million of effective cap space, according to spotrac.com. The Browns might still re-sign Chubb, but it would not be a surprise if they wait until they know what their roster looks like after the draft next month. ...read more read less