Rumor of Browns cutting top player is good news for the Patriots

With free agency coming up and Jerod Mayo's intent to burn some cash, which they have plenty of, many good players will be available for them to potentially sign. The offense will likely be the focus of improvement, as it should be, and the key positions needing the most help are undoubtedly wide receiver and offensive line.

While that may be true, the list of running backs set to hit the free-agent market would be foolish for the Patriots to overlook. With the likes of Austin Ekeler, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs looking for new contracts, there's plenty of reason for Mayo to seriously consider one of them to join Rhamondre Stevenson in the backfield next season.

And now, another player may be added into the mix with Patriots ties.

The Patriots could be in the mix for Nick Chubb

Rumors have swirled that the Cleveland Browns may be looking to cut running back Nick Chubb primarily for cap reasons.

The two sides have reportedly struggled to restructure his contract or reach a deal for an extension and with injury concerns surrounding the 28 year old, on top of the team being around $20 million over the 2024 cap allowance, it may lead to the unavoidable decision to cut Chubb ahead of next season.

Cleveland would only take on about $4 million in dead cap if they cut Chubb, gaining nearly $12 million in savings. It's one of those decisions no team would want to make, but with a very pricey quarterback and needs elsewhere on the team, the Browns may be forced to.

This could be good news for the Patriots, as new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was with the Browns from 2020 to 2023 and was the offensive coordinator for the first two years. Chubb recorded the best season of his career in 2022, and if he enjoyed working with Van Pelt, he might consider reuniting with him in New England.

Chubb would be a great addition to the running back room, working alongside Stevenson and maybe taking it a bit easier after his recent knee injury. This would open up the backfield and add another trusted pass catcher that the Patriots have grown to love over the years, allowing their RB1 not to carry the entire load himself.

Whether or not the Browns end up cutting him is yet to be seen, but we'll likely find out sooner than later, with free agency opening up on March 13.

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