Browns RB Jerome Ford flagged as potential trade

Jerome Ford is coming off a breakout season, but the Cleveland Browns running back could find himself on the move with Nick Chubb's return on the horizon.

Ford took over the lead back duties last season after Chubb was injured in Week 2. After having a very limited workload as a rookie, Ford racked up 1,132 total yards — 813 rushing and 319 receiving.

Ford has struggled with consistency at times, averaging just 4.0 yards per carry. The Browns have added veteran talent to their running back room, and Chubb will return at some point next season. That could lead to Ford being traded for some draft capital, according to Fansided's Randy Gurzi.

“In 2024, Ford finds himself with more competition around him. The Browns signed D'Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines in free agency and are hoping Chubb returns sooner than expected. That could make Ford expendable, especially if they're comfortable with Pierre Strong, Jr. as their third-string back until Chubb returns.

“Trading him might not mean a huge bonus, but even getting a third-day pick for someone who was selected in the fifth round isn't a bad trade.”

Browns have confidence in Jerome Ford

The Browns found themselves in a tough spot last year with the injury to star guard Chubb. However, the team credited Ford for helping steady the ship.

“Jerome did a good job,” Stefanski said during an appearance on Browns in everyday life May 1st. “He had some really, really, really great moments for our football team [last year]He did great things for us when we needed them. We are delighted about that.

The battle could come down to Ford and Foreman, a veteran back who has proven he can contribute if his number is called with tough yards.

Hines missed last season with a knee injury and is likely to play a larger role on special teams as a receiver. However, he's eager to prove he deserves a steady role in the offense.

“I’m not the greatest player in the world, but I’m not going to be afraid,” Hines said on May 22. “I’m going to focus on that. I’m known for my pass-catching abilities, so being a return guy was a little disrespectful, honestly, I don’t know. I don’t know any other return guy that has over 230 receptions in five years.”

Browns RB Nick Chubb ahead of rehab schedule

Chubb is expected to return to the field next season after two knee surgeries. However, the exact timetable for his return is still uncertain. From what has been shown during his rehabilitation on social media, Chubb appears to be ahead of schedule.

“I actually had to ask him, ‘What knee was that again?’” Chubb’s trainer Brad Lester recently told Cleveland.com. “He said, ‘Left.’ I said, ‘That’s good, I can’t even tell.’ He’s way ahead of schedule in my opinion.”

Chubb's resume is elite and he is sorely missed when he can't play. He is the franchise's fourth-leading rusher, rushing for 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns in 77 career games. He is averaging 84.6 yards per game and 5.3 yards per carry.

Chubb and the Browns restructured his contract this offseason. It's heavily incentive-based, meaning Chubb will be paid based on his production when he returns to the field.