The Texans have been “looking at [the] running back market” and could pursue former Browns RB Nick Chubb, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Chubb, a seven-year veteran, hit free agency this offseason for the first time in his career after playing just 10 games in the last two years due to injury. A torn ACL robbed him of most of the 2023 season; he worked his way back to the field for eight games in 2024 before going down once more with a broken foot. Chubb expressed a desire to stay in Cleveland, but the Browns declined to re-sign him and instead pursued younger options for their backfield.
Houston signed ex-Bengals running back Joe Mixon last offseason and could look to add another former AFC North ballcarrier in Chubb. Both Mixon and his backup, Dameon Pierce, missed at least three games last year with minimal production from Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale further down the depth chart.
Chubb’s 41.5 yards per game and 3.3 yards per carry in 2024 were well below his career standards, but he was one of the most efficient running backs in the league before his 2023 injury. This late in the offseason, he will likely have to sign a one-year deal close to the veteran minimum to prove his health, which could offer significant upside for the Texans.
Fowler said on SportsCenter (via Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters) that a return to Cleveland is “not totally off the table” but remains unlikely after the Browns selected two running back in April’s draft. That aligns with Fowler’s previous report on ESPN Cleveland that Chubb is not expected to re-sign with his longtime “barring some sort of surprise or injury.”
Fowler also mentioned the Commanders and the Bears as potential suitors at the end of May. The Commanders are returning their 2024 backfield, making Washington a less likely destination than Chicago. The Bears missed out on their preferred running backs in the draft and do not have a clear No. 2 behind D’Andre Swift.
Why not? Decent depth in case Mixon and Damien go down again. Mix him with Jordan and DO
Where are they looking? Up his nose? In his ear? In his mouth ? Belly button? Uh, you know, the caboose? Don’t see how they could see that far into him at any of those spots? Maybe they should just talk to him. Why are they concerned with what’s on the inside anyway, the outside looks pretty good.
Teams have to conduct their due diligence and have a look but even the clueless Browns realize Chubb is just a shadow of the RB he once was. Much respect is due Nick for his perseverance and attitude but he isn’t going to move the needle at all if he gets signed.
He signed that “lifetime” contract in 2021….a three-year, $36.6 million contract extension, so the $$$ should be a no-brainer vet minimum/with escalators.
CEL–A half-a** Nick Chubb is better than half the running backs in the NFL. Maybe he has a comeback year or two. Wouldn’t right him off yet