As the Chicago Bears figure out their running back room under Ben Johnson, the team has been heavily connected to free agent Nick Chubb. However, the buzz between both sides seemed to die down once OTAs began.
The Bears want to see what they have in D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and every running back on their roster. While an outside option may be what Chicago needs to truly take a step forward, general manager Ryan Poles and company have yet to make that decision.
But Chubb still looms in free agency, and until he signs, the idea of him joining the Bears will continue to persist. In fact, the noise may get even louder now after Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that he doesn’t expect Chubb to return to the Browns, via ESPN Cleveland.
“I do not expect Chubb back with the Browns barring some sort of surprise or injury,” Fowler said. “There’s some teams out there, the Commanders and Bears come to mind just in general terms could be looking for an extra back at some point. Right now I think he’s just in that mode where you’re going to survey the landscape and see what develops, keep working out and hoping to play next year.”
"I do not expect him back with the Browns," – @JFowlerESPN on Nick Chubb.
Fowler mentions the Bears and Commanders as potential options. pic.twitter.com/RitkftXs0I
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 28, 2025
What Nick Chubb offers Chicago Bears
In theory, Chubb would provide some thunder to Swift’s lightning. A bruising back throughout his NFL career, Chubb would give the Bears a much more consistent running game. Of course, the phrase ‘in theory’ rings large here.
The biggest red flag against Chubb is his injury history. He played in just two games in 2023 after tearing his MCL and injuring his ACL. He managed to make a comeback in 2024, but played in just eight games before breaking his foot. Chubb remains a free agent largely due to his lengthy injury healthy.
But when healthy, Chubb was nominated to four straight Pro Bowls from 2019-2022. He has run for 6,843 yards and 51 touchdowns. Furthermore, Chubb has averaged an impressive 5.1 yards per carry over his career.
If the Bears were getting that running back, it would undoubtedly be a boon for the offense. But Chicago must be certain that Chubb’s medical status clears before making a decision.
State of Bears running back room
Chicago finished the 2024 campaign ranked 25th in rushing, averaging 102 yards per game. The Bears brought in a brand new offensive line entering 2025, which should only bolster the running game at large. However, the running backs on the roster must all take a step forward upon Johnson’s arrival.
Swift is still penciled in as the RB1 after earning a career-high 253 carries in his Bears debut. He ran for 959 yards and six touchdowns. Averaging just 3.8 yards per carry, Swift needs to be more efficient with his opportunities to retain his lead role.
Johnson matched Swift’s six rushing touchdowns, showing his goal line prowess. However, it came with just 55 total carries and 150 yards. Johnson has the backing of general manager Ryan Poles, but entering year three, the 2025 season will be make-or-break for his Chicago future.
Then there is seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai. While his draft position may point to a role on the practice squad, the Bears plan to give Monangai a opportunity to make an impact. He’ll be a player to watch throughout the offseason program.
All of that would change if Chubb were to enter the equation. And if the Browns are serious about moving on, the Bears will remain one of the mor likely suitors.
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