With NFL training camps underway and exhibition games starting in less than a week, a handful of veterans signed deals over the weekend, and running back, Nick Chubb signed an extension. Among the veterans to sign deals this weekend were running back Devonta Freeman, defensive end Justin Houston, and quarterback Brent Hundley.
Chubb Signs Browns Extension
After three fantastic seasons helping to rejuvenate the Cleveland Browns, Chubb is cashing in. The 25-year-old signed a three-year extension worth more than $36 million with $20 million guaranteed. The new deal make him the sixth-highest-paid running back in the NFL based on average salary.
Chubb ran for 996 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie in 2018 while starting nine games. In 2019 he went for 1,494 yards and eight rushing touchdowns while adding 36 receptions. Paired in the backfield last year with Kareem Hunt, Chubb ran for 1,067 yards and 12 touchdowns as the Browns returned to the playoffs after a lengthy drought.
In three seasons, Chubb has 3,557 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s added 72 receptions for 577 yards and two more touchdowns. Chubb has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons.
The Browns are a trendy Super Bowl pick at +1600, and they are +750 to win the AFC. Cleveland is +150 to win the AFC North, just behind the Baltimore Ravens at +115. Their win total is 10.5, with the over at -120 and the under at +100.
Saints Add Running Back Depth
The New Orleans Saints added some running back depth on Saturday as they signed veteran free agent Devonta Freeman. The 29-year-old finished last season with the New York Giants, missing most of the campaign with ankle and hamstring injuries.
The long-time Atlanta Falcon will compete for playing time with Latavius Murray, Ty Montgomery, Dwayne Washington, and Tony Jones Jr. Murray ran for 656 yards last season while backing up Alvin Kamara.
With a transition at quarterback from Drew Brees to Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, the Saints are +1200 to win the NFC and +2500 to win the Super Bowl. They are +300 to win the NFC South with a win total of nine (Over -115, Under -105).
Baltimore Adds Houston
The Baltimore Ravens are bringing veteran defensive end Justin Houston to camp with a one-year deal that could be worth $4 million. Houston spent the last two seasons in Indianapolis after being a Pro Bowl pass rusher with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Houston had eight sacks last year after posting 11 in 2019. In eight seasons with the Chiefs, he posted 78.5 sacks while forcing 17 fumbles. He led the NFL with 22 sacks in 2014 and has four seasons with at least ten sacks.
Houston joins Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe, and Pernell McPhee as the Ravens defensive ends atop the depth chart. The Ravens win total is 11, with the over at -120 and the under at +100.
They are +115 to win the AFC North, and they have the third-best AFC odds at +650. The Ravens are +1400 to win the Super Bowl, trailing the Chiefs, Buccaneers, Bills, and Packers.
Colts Bring in Hundley
With Carson Wentz getting evaluated for a foot injury, the Indianapolis Colts brought in veteran quarterback Brett Hundley over the weekend. The status of Wentz, acquired in the off-season, is up in the air as he is scheduled to see a foot specialist this week.
Hundley last started a game in 2017 for the Green Bay Packers when Aaron Rodgers was out with an injury for nine games. Hundley went 3-6 as a starter before spending 2018 with the Seattle Seahawks and the last two years with Arizona. He never saw the field for the Seahawks, attempted just 11 passes in three games for the Cardinals in 2019, and didn’t play in 2020.
The Colts wins total is 9.5, with the under soaring to -150 with the Wentz news while the over is +120. They are +140 to win the AFC South and +1400 to make the Super Bowl.
With Wentz out, the Colts had Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger under contract. Eason was a fourth-round pick in 2020 and didn’t play in a game last season. Ehlinger was drafted out of Texas in the sixth round in 2021.