Q: May Nick Chubb be this yr’s Joe Flacco?

— John Palazzo

A: I recognize the optimism and assume it’s an attention-grabbing query.

From an emotional standpoint, I feel the return of Chubb could possibly be much more impactful. To hearken to his teammates and coaches rave about his work ethic for years, and remembering the heartbreak they felt after the harm final season, it’s overwhelming how a lot they worth and recognize him. I’m not diminishing Flacco’s galvanizing impact within the locker room final yr, however that all the time felt short-term. Chubb stays the guts and soul of the workforce.

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And I’d by no means doubt Chubb’s potential to vary the sport on the sphere. He’s been one of many high two or three runners within the league since he obtained the prospect in 2018 and he’s again for the ultimate 11 video games, versus Flacco’s brief stint. Having stated all that, I feel it’s anticipating an excessive amount of for Chubb to rework the offense from his place. This workforce received’t be capable of flip across the season until Deshaun Watson and the passing recreation enhance dramatically. Possibly Chubb’s presence will relieve sufficient strain and Watson can discover the arrogance essential to avoid wasting the season.

However Chubb hasn’t performed in 13 months and is coming off his second main left knee reconstruction. I feel it’d be sensible to mood expectations.

Q: What are acceptable expectations for Nick Chubb this season as he works his manner again onto the sphere this week?

— @ideashift

A: The million-dollar query.

For at this time, I feel Chubb will get 10-15 carries and play 25-35 snaps. These numbers ought to enhance by the season.

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What I can’t reply is how efficient he’ll be. Chubb referenced being again to his former self, however that might be outstanding given all the pieces the knee’s been by. If he’s 90 p.c of the Professional Bowler he’s been, then that ought to qualify as an enormous success.

Q: What’s your guess as to the following starter to hit the commerce block? I’d say maybe Joel Bitonio to an OL-needy workforce (e.g. the Jets) and maybe Jack Conklin to someplace just like the 49ers as a dependable backup. That may generate a further 4th- and Fifth-rounder for 2025 if each get moved. Additionally, they could as effectively put Myles Garrett on IR so he can get his legs/ft fastened for subsequent yr.

I’d guess they’re going to attempt to get a QB with their high 3 decide, sit the brand new man to be taught subsequent yr after which begin him in 2026 — the earliest they will extricate themselves from the league-record catastrophe often called D. Watson.

What’s your take?

— C.Cole

A: Properly, I talked to defensive finish Za’Darius Smith this week about probably being traded to the Lions and he was open to the thought, so I’m going with him. He appears to suit the invoice of a veteran late in his contract. Defensive sort out Quinton Jefferson is a wholesome scratch once more at this time, so the Browns would deal him if they might get something in return.

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As for Bitonio and Conklin, I feel they’re making an excessive amount of cash for an additional workforce to need them. I additionally really feel Bitonio is an “untouchable” given his outstanding run with the franchise. The scenario would change dramatically if he requested to be traded in what could possibly be his remaining season.

However whereas we’re on the offensive line, I feel left sort out Jedrick Wills Jr. could be a gorgeous commodity for lots of groups. He’s within the final yr of his rookie contract, and if the Browns don’t plan to present him an extension, they’d be good to get a priceless draft decide in return.

Garrett’s ft/legs have improved and I’ll assume he’ll proceed to play. It’s necessary to him. In the event that they’re 1-10, the dialog might change.

I agree the Browns will concentrate on a quarterback on the high of the draft. However I don’t assume they’ll punt on 2025. With expertise like Garrett, Denzel Ward and David Njoku, they need to attempt to win each season.

Q: Why hasn’t one reporter talked about the “Modell” leaving town rule? That would forestall Haslam from constructing exterior the Metropolis of Cleveland.

— Invoice

A: I don’t assume it’s correct to say no one has talked about it, however it hasn’t gotten a ton of run. One of many causes is a transfer to Brook Park, versus Baltimore, may not qualify as “leaving town.” The opposite is the Browns can negotiate with the Metropolis of Cleveland to maintain it from making an attempt to implement the regulation.

I do know Cleveland Metropolis Council desires town to implement the regulation, so I haven’t dominated out it being an element. And the Browns are maintaining a tally of the scenario.

Q: What remaining hurdles, if any, stand in the best way of the Haslams creating Jimmy’s World in Brook Park?

— @ideashift

A: The $1.1 billion in public funding they’re in search of is the massive one. They’re assured they will get bonds and received’t must put a tax situation on the poll. However Cuyahoga County officers haven’t supported the transfer, together with the Metropolis of Cleveland, in order that looks like an impediment that should be cleared. The opposite is the aforementioned “Modell Legislation.”

Regardless, the group goes full velocity forward towards the transfer.

Q: So is Kadarius Toney ever gonna get elevated??

— @enzopalazzari

A: He must be wholesome for that to occur.

He was injured when he signed to the apply squad, then practiced for a week-plus. He’s been out the final two weeks.

If he have been wholesome, I feel the workforce could be fast to activate him, particularly after the commerce of Amari Cooper.