Nick Chubb officially signed with the Houston Texans on Monday, bringing his seven-year venture with the Cleveland Browns to a close. Chubb has been working tirelessly to rediscover his finest form, and now gets an opportunity to feature in a new city.
Details of Chubb’s One-Year Deal in Houston
The 29-year-old running back was drafted by Cleveland in the early second round of the 2018 NFL draft. He spent the last seven seasons of his career there, earning All-Pro honors in 2022, while being named to four Pro Bowls during his time as the franchise’s lead back.
In Week 2 of the 2023 season, Chubb suffered the second brutal knee injury of his football career. He had already been through grueling knee surgery and the lengthy rehab process while playing for the Georgia Bulldogs at the college level. His 2023 injury was far worse and took almost two full years to come back from.
During that game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chubb got his knee stuck in a pile of bodies, abruptly ending his season. He had torn the three major ligaments in his knee and would require extensive surgery.
He returned to action midway through the 2024 season, but his performances were not what the Browns fan base had come to expect from one of their brightest stars. He averaged 3.3 yards per carry while scoring three touchdowns in eight games.
Chubb was out of contract following the 2024 season, looking for an opportunity to get back out on the field. Several workout videos surfaced online, and the running back looked prepped for action.
On Monday, June 10th, he passed his medical and signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. According to Ian Rapoport, the deal is agreed at $2.5 million, with the potential to rise to $5 million with incentives.
New #Texans RB Nick Chubb has now passed his physical and signed with Houston, sources say. The former #Browns Pro Bowler agreed to terms over the weekend and is getting a 1-year, $2.5M deal that can be worth up to $5M.
Deal done by Todd France of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/wdcFCyJD8w
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 9, 2025
Chubb had signed a one-year, $2.275 million deal to stay with the Browns in 2024. They’d offered him the deal despite being aware that he’d miss several weeks of the season as he continued to rehab from injury.
His previous deal, and the largest of Chubb’s career, was signed in 2021. The running back put pen to paper on a three-year rookie extension, worth $36.6 million, with just over $17 million guaranteed.
His career earnings as of 2025, per Spotrac, are listed at $36.4 million.
Chubb’s Contract Against Other Free Agent Running Backs
Chubb’s $2.5 million deal could reach $5 million, but he’ll need to work for it.
The running back market hasn’t been all that hot in the 2025 offseason, with the largest contract signed being Najee Harris’s deal with the LA Chargers. Harris signed a contract for $5.25 million, which is only $250,000 more than Chubb’s, but it is fully guaranteed, regardless of performance.
Javonte Williams signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys, with a similar story to Chubb. He had a knee injury in 2022 that he’s taken a long time to come back from. He now feels like himself and is hoping to prove himself with a new franchise in 2025.
Rico Dowdle signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, while Elijah Mitchell signed his single-season deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, valued at $2.5 million, on par with Chubb’s.
Chubb himself is an older veteran than those other guys, but he is also far more accomplished and experienced. If he can find his best form, it’ll be excellent value for the Texans.