Four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb is set to experience free agency for the first time since being drafted No. 35 overall in 2018. Once one of the NFL’s top running backs, Chubb suffered a devastating knee injury in 2023 and has played in just 10 games over the past two seasons.
Upon making his return in October (an impressive feat on its own), Chubb managed just 3.3 yards per carry over eight games, a significant career low. He then missed the final three games of the 2024 season with a broken left foot.
Chubb’s pre-injury dominance, combined with two significant injuries and a drop in production, makes him a tough player to evaluate in free agency.
What Does Post-Injury Nick Chubb Bring to the Table?
Chubb’s season-ending injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season threatened to bring his career to an early end. The star running back and leader of the Cleveland Browns locker room needed two surgeries and months of rehab and didn’t return to the field for over a year.
Chubb was always going to need time to regain his explosiveness — the fact that he was playing again at all was a surprise to some. But free agency couldn’t have come at a worse time. After averaging at least five yards per carry every year since being drafted, Chubb saw his average drop to 3.3 in 2024.
Given the extent of his injury, Chubb was never going to return to his dominant form in just eight games. But Cleveland’s fan favorite lands at No. 55 on PFSN’s Top 100 Free Agents list, suggesting he still holds some free agency value.
“There is a very realistic chance that Chubb will never be the same again. He will turn 30 at the end of the 2025 season and is coming off a couple of tough injuries for a running back. However, there is a chance, even if it is a slim one, that Chubb can still be an effective runner.
“A one-year prove-it deal might be viable for both Chubb and any contending team. If he can get back to full health and get his explosiveness back, he can be a game-winner in the right situation.”
5 Potential Landing Spots for Chubb in Free Agency
Chubb’s free agent ranking places him fourth among running backs, behind J.K. Dobbins, Jordan Mason, and Najee Harris. That would have been a strong position last year, with Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs all on the market, but times change.
While Chubb could benefit from a lack of competition among FA running backs, the 2025 NFL Draft class features an elite group of young backs. Running backs were in high demand in 2024 due to a perceived lack of draft talent. One year later, teams may be far less willing to spend on veteran RBs with a history of injuries and declining production.
That said, Chubb should get an opportunity somewhere in 2025, and here are five of the most likely teams to sign him.
Seattle Seahawks
Heading into 2025, the Seattle Seahawks already have questions at running back, as Zach Charbonnet stepped up in his second season, putting pressure on Kenneth Walker III. Walker’s yards per carry have dipped each year of his career — after averaging 4.6 per clip in 2022, he dropped to 4.1 in 2023 and 3.7 in 2024.
Chubb would likely be the third option in Seattle’s backfield, allowing him to ease back into action without the pressure of starting. Of the teams on this list, the Seahawks present the toughest path to playing time, but that could give Chubb the patience he needs to fully recover.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Pete Carroll era has begun in Las Vegas, and the veteran coach has already made a big move. After locking in star pass rusher Maxx Crosby with a new deal, the Las Vegas Raiders traded a third-round pick to acquire Geno Smith from the Seahawks.
The addition of Smith suggests the Raiders are looking to compete immediately, and without a starting-caliber RB on the roster, Chubb could be an option. Las Vegas is expected to draft a running back, but Carroll would likely value a veteran presence alongside a rookie.
Chubb’s reputation as one of the most dedicated professionals in Cleveland could make him an ideal fit in Las Vegas.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With Najee Harris set to hit free agency after four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, the AFC North contenders need a new starter.
That’s unlikely to be Chubb, with the Pittsburgh Steelers expected to draft a running back in April. However, his power-running style and familiarity with the AFC North could make Chubb an intriguing option. In a physical division, he could help replace the bruising style Harris brought to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers are a team to watch when it comes to Chubb. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has a history of using a three-back rotation, which could allow Chubb to focus on short-yardage situations while younger backs handle the explosive plays.
Denver Broncos
Speaking of three-back rotations, the Denver Broncos spent 2024 trying to find a lead running back — and failed.
Somehow, they still made the playoffs despite getting minimal production from their backfield. Javonte Williams, Audric Estimé, and Jaleel McLaughlin all had opportunities, but now, Denver could be willing to move on.
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McLaughlin showed flashes, but his pass-catching skill set wouldn’t interfere with Chubb’s role. Estimé, a 2024 rookie, was drafted for his size and physicality but struggled against NFL defenses.
Chubb likely can’t handle a full workload anymore, but Sean Payton’s system could allow him to thrive in a rotational role.
Cleveland Browns
Finally, the Browns might make the most sense. Chubb is beloved by the organization and its fan base, and the team needs depth at running back in 2025, with Jerome Ford currently projected as the starter.
While Chubb struggled in his return, his best chance to regain form might be in Cleveland, where he’s already comfortable with the coaches and medical staff. The Browns could still add another back, but keeping Chubb around would provide a locker-room boost.
With Myles Garrett’s recent contract extension, Cleveland could also bring back one of the franchise’s most respected players. Even if he isn’t the same player he once was, Chubb’s leadership alone could make a difference in Cleveland’s pursuit of a deep playoff run.