When Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb suffered a horrific knee injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season, many wondered if he would ever return to the same dominance he displayed before the injury.
Chubb was able to return in one of the feel-good stories of last season, but now he is a free agent. The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the Browns seem to be moving on from Chubb. They selected two rookie running backs in the draft: Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. Cleveland’s general manager, Andrew Berry, even acknowledged recently that the “complexion” of their running back room has changed. So, where will Chubb land?
3 Potential Landing Spots for Nick Chubb
Chubb still feels he has a lot left to give and wants to continue playing. Recently, he posted a video showing him squatting 500 pounds and vowing that he still has plenty left in the tank.
The four-time Pro Bowler is only 29 years old and could be a valuable asset to a team, but which franchises make sense as a potential suitor?
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears were expected to target the top running back in this year’s draft, Ashton Jeanty, with the No. 10 overall pick. However, Jeanty was snapped up by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6.
The Bears surprised many by not selecting a running back until midway through the seventh round, even though this was widely regarded as one of their top needs. This leaves the door wide open for Chubb.
Chubb would join D’Andre Swift in Chicago, and the two could provide a powerful one-two punch in Ben Johnson’s offense — similar to what he had in Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Also, Chubb is known to be an outstanding teammate and leader, so he could help mentor Chicago’s young core.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs fell woefully short in their Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and one of the things they were missing was a strong rushing attack, as Isiah Pacheco didn’t look the same after breaking his leg early in the 2024 season.
Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Samaje Perine combined for 24 rushing yards in the Super Bowl loss.
While the Chiefs re-signed Hunt, another former Browns player, he is 29 years old and was inconsistent last season. While Chubb does come with some injury risk, he also comes with a major chip on his shoulder.
Chubb wants to win, and the Chiefs give him a real shot at a ring. Perhaps Chubb and Hunt could reunite in Kansas City’s backfield?
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers value a strong run game as part of their smashmouth approach. They chose to let former first-round pick Najee Harris go in free agency, opening up the door for someone else to step into his role.
While former undrafted rookie free agent Jaylen Warren has exceeded all expectations and emerged as a key contributor, he likely needs a strong partner in the backfield.
The Steelers did select Kaleb Johnson from Iowa in the third round, but adding Chubb would give Pittsburgh another veteran option.
While it might be tough for Chubb to join the enemy Steelers, this might be good for both parties. Chubb knows precisely what it’s like to compete in the AFC North, particularly in the cold, snowy winter games.
