Browns: 3 cap casualties who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans
By Mark Sipos
2. Chris Hubbard, Offensive Lineman
After restructuring his contract last year to remain as the sixth offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns, Hubbard finds himself on the bubble yet again. The seven year pro has been with the Browns since 2018, when former General Manager John Dorsey signed Hubbard to a five year deal worth $37.50 million. After two seasons of poor play, rumors started swirling that Hubbard would be released.
In March of 2020, Hubbard and newly hired Andrew Berry agreed to restructure Hubbard’s contract, reducing his 2020 salary by $3.6 million. After the team signed Jack Conklin in free agency and drafted Jedrick Wills with their first pick of the draft, the restructure made perfect sense, allowing Hubbard to become the sixth man along the offensive line.
Prior to the 2020 season, the Browns depth along the offensive line was very much a question mark. Berry made reshaping the offensive line a top priority last season, including adding some much needed depth. After injuries to starters Wyatt Teller, Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin, along with injuries to veterans Hubbard and Kendall Lamm, and Joel Bitonio missing a game due to COVID-19, that depth was truly tested and it passed with flying colors.
Fifth round pick Nick Harris was called upon to play guard after Hubbard dislocated his knee cap and tore ligaments in the same knee. Harris played well in limited action until he was also injured. Michael Dunn was called on to fill in for the COVID-19 positive Joel Bitonio for the franchises first playoff game in decades, and delivered a performance that will be talked about for years to come.
Even Blake Hance, the former Northwestern Wildcat who met Baker Mayfield in the locker room prior to filling in for Michael Dunn in the fourth quarter, showed some promise and looked to have a potential spot in the league. In addition, the Browns also still have veteran tackle Kendall Lamm as well as the undrafted rookie free agent Alex Taylor on the roster, who was kept around on the practice squad for the entire year. Former sixth round pick Drew Forbes will be returning to the team as well after opting out of the 2020 season.
This is not so much about the play of Hubbard, as he thrived last year as a utility lineman, filling in at multiple spots in a spurts last season. If Hubbard were to be released after June 6th, the Browns would save $3.83 million in cap space this season. If there is an offensive lineman that Berry likes in the draft, it would not be surprising to see Berry part ways with Hubbard come June.