Chris Hubbard has spent the last few months as a persona non grata amongst Cleveland Browns fans. His disappointing play in his first two seasons as the Browns’ right tackle led to many calling for his head.
It wasn’t supposed to be that way for Hubbard or the team. Flashback to 2018 when then-GM John Dorsey triumphantly lured Hubbard to Cleveland from the rival Pittsburgh Steelers to solve the problem at right tackle. Hubbard signed for $37.5 million over five years, with $18 million fully guaranteed.
Hubbard has not come close to being worth the free agent outlay. He ranked 45th at tackle in Pro Football Focus pass blocking efficiency in 2019, one spot lower than in 2018. Only Kolton Miller allowed more QB hurries over those two seasons.
Fans let him know about it. Comment sections and social media that mentioned Hubbard were brutal towards him.
The Browns smartly signed Jack Conklin, the best right tackle on the free agent market, to replace Hubbard in the starting lineup. That move has been well-received around the league.
Instead of jettisoning Hubbard and completely depleting the depth at tackle, the Browns and new GM Andrew Berry gave Hubbard a shot at redemption. They restructured his contract to keep him at a reasonable cost for an experienced backup.
The Browns & OL Chris Hubbard have agreed to a reworked 2-year deal: $1M signing bonus, $1M of a $2.15M base salary gtd, with max cash value of $5M in 2020. If Hubbard plays 90% of the snaps in 2020, he can void the 2021 year.
Some cap space for Cleveland, security for Hubbard.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 26, 2020
By and large, the reaction to keeping Hubbard around proves it wasn’t personal. Fans appreciate his willingness to stay where he has not been welcome. His play is commensurate with a top swing tackle, the same role he played quite capably in Pittsburgh.
The prism of public opinion now reflects the team dynamic. Hubbard is well-liked in the locker room, known as a hard worker and a positive influence. That can come in very handy with a rookie manning left tackle, as well as uncertainty at right guard. Hubbard himself could fit in there, too. The optimism surrounding the now-suitably compensated Hubbard and the lowered expectations for his ability is a stark change from earlier this offseason.