CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns have restructured star running back Nick Chubb’s contract as he continues to rehab after a season-ending knee injury in 2023, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Chubb was entering his final year under contract after signing a three-year, $36.6 million deal in 2021.
The 28-year-old Chubb agreed to take a salary cut — he was scheduled to make $11.75 million this season — but can earn back money through incentives, the person said.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team does not make salary figures public.
NFL Network was first to report Chubb’s agreement with the Browns.
Chubb, the Browns’ most popular player and a four-time Pro Bowler who rushed for 1,525 yards in 2022, tore ligaments in his left knee in Week 2 when he was hit from the side by Pittsburgh safety Minkah Fitzpatrick near the goal line.
Chubb had to undergo two surgeries to get it repaired. It’s the same knee he injured while at Georgia. The Browns dedicated their season to Chubb and went on to make the playoffs for just the second time since 2002.
Tthe Browns believe Chubb could be back at some point this season.