Dawgs By Nature
Taking a look at the running back position as it currently sits heading into FA
The Cleveland Browns have their hands full with the negotiation processes of current players scheduled to hit free agency in March, along with the scouting of NFL Draft prospects for the 2025 Draft.
That being said, it’s a good time to start diving into different position rooms to see how things look as they currently stand. As always, these types of things are subject to change at any moment.
Chubb’s outlook with the team is still cloudy but it’s fair to say that if he wants to stay in Cleveland in 2025 and beyond, he’ll probably be here.
Projection: Re-signs a new 1 to 2-year contract with multiple performance incentives.
Ford has quietly been a quality player for the Browns when on the field as both a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield. Having him under contract until the 2026 season is great for the team.
Foreman was fairly ineffective when on the field for Cleveland in 2024 and with the amount of talent and depth that the 2025 NFL Draft class has at RB, it’ll be difficult to find a real reason to re-sign or extend him.
Projection: Hits free agency in March
Strong has been productive as a 3rd-down and pass-catching back in different sub-packages throughout his time in Northeast Ohio. His outlook is interesting as the team can also choose to cut him post-June 1st and free up $1.1M in cap space.
Unfortunately, Hines couldn’t get healthy in 2024 and missed the entire season due to complications surrounding his previous ACL tear. He’s been one of the league’s top receiving backs and kick returners when healthy but it doesn’t look like they’re going to bring him back due to his age (turning 29 during the 2025 season) and injury risk.
Projection: Hits free agency in March
Kelly Jr. has found a way to stick around the Browns organization for a while now and it wouldn’t surprise me if they find a way to keep it going.
Projection: Cleveland tenders Kelly Jr.
Hairston is a fullback that the team recently signed, which undoubtedly causes speculation regarding the team’s offense in 2025. To most, it could be seen as a sigh of relief because Cleveland’s most effective run game involved the use of a fullback in 2021. It’s going to be incredibly interesting to see how Hairston’s used going forward because both Stefanski and new OL Coach Mike Bloomgren love to use fullbacks.
***What are your thoughts regarding Cleveland’s current RB room? Join fellow Browns fans...
