As the offseason has unfolded, Nick Chubb‘s time in Cleveland has increasingly looked as though it is coming to an end. Another indication emerged on Friday pointing to the Pro Bowl back needing to change teams shortly. 
“I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I would say it’s probably increasingly unlikely,” general manager Andrew Berry said of a Chubb deal taking place during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan. “I’d say maybe a return is less likely, at least in the short term, with us right now.”
Entering the draft, it was unclear if Chubb would secure another Browns commitment based on his play upon returning to action in 2024. The 29-year-old played in eight games last season, but he was unable to duplicate his production or efficiency from the time preceding his massive 2023 knee injury. That ailment required multiple surgeries and led to questions about Chubb’s ability to return to the NFL in any capacity. While he managed to do so, the Browns very much appear to have moved on.
Cleveland added a pair of rookies to the backfield during the draft. With second-rounder Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in the fold, two spots on the depth chart are accounted for in 2025 and beyond. A Chubb deal would have become more feasible in the event Jerome Ford had been released or traded this offseason. Instead, he agreed to a pay cut last week, ensuring his spot for next season. Those moves have pointed strongly to Chubb no longer being in Cleveland’s plans.
Berry acknowledged the Browns “haven’t necessarily been in strong communication” with Chubb’s camp since the draft. A lack of contract talks of course represents another signal the team has moved on. Chubb’s attention will turn to finding a suitor ahead of training camp, although by this point of the offseason teams have done much of their roster-building work. It will be interesting to see how much of a market develops over the coming weeks in his case.
Cleveland, meanwhile, will aim to develop a strong backfield duo of Judkins and Sampson over the coming years with Ford (who took on starting duties in Chubb’s absence in 2023) looking to boost his free agent stock for next spring. Barring an unforeseen development, Chubb will not figure into that group.
Wouldn’t the Bears be a good fit?
Said that too. Also panthers just lost brooks for entire 2025 season he could be depth. Other teams could be dolphins cardinals patriots and packers
Browns unlikely to be relevant or likeable as well. No reason not to bring Chubb back, he’s a fan favorite and you need more than Ford backing up two rookies. If Chubb truly has lost it (which is equally as possible as he was just working himself back from a severe injury) then you can cut him especially if it’s an incentive based contract. For a team in desperate need for good PR, good influences on the young backs, and honestly several miracles it’s baffling that they’d bail on the biggest offensive bright spot the team has had since…
Since Dwayne Bowe
Nick Chubb is somewhere over Dwayne Bowe.
I’d say Josh Gordon but that went up in smoke.
Literally.
You’re talking about Browns running backs and PR as if they don’t have a new potential fan favorite in Judkins, a guy who just helped the Buckeyes win the national championship.
The PR move is to actually show you are moving on, thus signaling to everyone that the nightmare of the failed Watson deal is almost over and there is hope ahead.
Desperate need for good PR? For trading for Watson 4 years ago? He’s done in Cleveland and people have moved on by now. You don’t sign someone for PR.
Would love to see Nick get a shot in Pittsburgh.
Chubb is done. Otherwise he’d have been signed by now.
Agreed. His 3.3 YPC compared to Jerome Ford’s 5.4 YPC (in a similar number of carries) suggests he’s cooked. The knee injury likely robbed him of the burst and speed required to be an average or better NFL running back. I think the Browns are being nice in their public statements when they’re really thinking, “there’s no way in hell we’re bringing him back because he sucks.”
Yeah because Ford gashing teams dime packages while trailing and throwing 60 times is comparable. Chubb got to run into heavy boxes behind a terrible line. Also take away Fords two long runs in games they were getting smoked and that gets you a little closer to reality.
Right choice by the browns to move on but Chubb will be more than serviceable at his next stop.
Love Nick, but reality has arrived, and bottom line, it is a business.
But I will always despise Berry, who has been a failure.