Cleveland Browns Trade Carlos Hyde to Jacksonville

Erik Drost via Flickr

NFL

Cleveland Browns Trade Running Back Carlos Hyde to Jacksonville

In a surprising move Friday afternoon, the Cleveland Browns traded running back Carlos Hyde to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In exchange for Hyde, Cleveland received the Jaguars’ fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Carlos Hyde has put together a solid season, ranking in the top five among running backs for both rushes and rushing touchdowns. Hyde has led the Browns’ backfield up to this point. Through Week 6, Hyde was responsible for 64% of Cleveland’s carries. That’s nearly 55% more than next-in-line back Duke Johnson Jr., who’s found the ball on just 11% of the Browns’ rushes.

What’s Next for Cleveland?

With this trade, Cleveland now holds an additional 2019 fifth-round draft selection — along with a big question mark at running back. Although Johnson Jr. was Hyde’s complimentary back, his role is unlikely to change. Many believe that rookie Nick Chubb, one of Cleveland’s second-round draft picks, will take over the starting role.

Chubb has only found sixteen touches this season, but has been electric when called upon. So far in his rookie year, Chubb has averaged 10.8 yards per carry and reached the end zone twice. Chubb’s two touchdowns have been explosive, with both coming from 40+ yards.

Putting your backfield in the hands of a player with only 16 total NFL touches is certainly a gamble. One thing is for certain, however: Cleveland’s coaching staff has faith in both Chubb and Johnson. If they didn’t believe in the duo, it is unlikely they’d have made this deal.

What’s Next for Jacksonville?

The obvious reason for Jacksonville to make this trade is the absence of star running back Leonard Fournette. Fournette has only played in two games this season, placing most of the rushing burden on T.J. Yeldon. While Yeldon has done a serviceable job, the Jaguars’ running game has started to falter with the lack of depth. Corey Grant, also a viable backfield option, has joined Fournette on the injury table.

Entering Week 7, Jacksonville ranks 17th in rushing yards and tied at 25th in rushing touchdowns. With the addition of Carlos Hyde, the Jaguars’ backfield will likely see those numbers improve significantly. Hyde joins Jacksonville with more rushing yards than anyone currently on the roster and more rushing touchdowns than the entire team.

The uncertain factor surrounding this move, though, is the expected return of Leonard Fournette. With Fournette missing yet another week of practice, it is hard to see him ready for action anytime soon. What many viewed as a day-to-day hamstring concern earlier this season is now being seen as a much more serious and lengthy injury problem. As long as Fournette is on the sideline, Jacksonville must manage without the catalyst of their offense.

Fantasy Implications

In almost all fantasy football leagues, Nick Chubb has become the newest, hottest commodity. With his explosive rushing ability and a newly-assured increase in carries, Chubb now looks to be a top-tier running back heading into the rest of the season. If Chubb can lock down the top spot in Cleveland’s backfield, he’ll likely prove himself as a top-five fantasy pickup by the end of the season.

Carlos Hyde, meanwhile, is set to take over as Jacksonville’s number one running back until Leonard Fournette returns. With the Jaguars making this move, one can only assume they’re preparing for a lengthy spell without Fournette. If you’re a Fournette fantasy owner, you may be in for a long season. The free agent running back market offers slim pickings in most leagues and no timetable has been set for Fournette’s return.

Photo Credit: Erik Drost via Flickr

To stay updated on news from the Steelers and around the NFL, follow James Hall on Twitter: @jhallT101sports

Subscribe to get the latest news from TSJ at the TSJ 101 Sports TV YouTube channel!

Play And Win Weekly at ThriveFantasy!