The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a serious need at running back. By only drafting seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai, the Bears are still in a position where they can still add to their running back room.
The easiest way for Chicago to do that would be free agency. While the players available won’t be of the same caliber as the start of free agency, there are plenty of running backs who could help the Bears. Atop the list seems to be longtime Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb.
While the Browns have interest in bringing him back, the Bears are reportedly hot on their tail. Chicago is reportedly “very serious” about signing Chubb and are making an aggressive push to bring him to the Windy City, via Ken Carman of 92.3 The Fan.
“The Browns want to bring Nick Chubb back, they’re trying hard to bring Nick back,” Carman said. “The Bears are very serious about bringing him in and trying to make this push to bring him in. It’s just going to depend on what’s willing to offer more.”
"The #Browns want to bring Nick Chubb back. They are trying hard to bring Nick back. I know this. The #Bears are very serious about bringing him in and are trying to make this push"
🎙️@KenCarman to @SportsBoyTony on future for RB Nick Chubb🏈⤵️
🔊Listen: https://t.co/2RT1AdD9C2 pic.twitter.com/omMjkU6cpI
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) May 1, 2025
How Nick Chubb affects Chicago Bears
Chubb was named to the Pro Bowl four times over his seven-year stint with the Cleveland Browns. However, injuries have taken a huge chunk out of his recent career. An injury to his ACL and MCL limited him to just two games in 2023. Furthermore, Chubb played in just eight games in 2024 after suffering a broken foot.
Before anything else, the Bears must be confident in Chubb’s health. If they’re as serious about signing him as Carman makes it out to be, then Chicago has likely done their due diligence. But another serious injury could potential be career-ending. Even if it’s just on a one-year deal, the Bears want someone who can perform consistently.
While it was one thing to return to the field in 2024, Chubb’s numbers weren’t at his best. He ran for 332 yards and three touchdowns on 102 carries. Averaging just 3.3 yards per carry, Chubb’s days as a lead rusher in the NFL seem over.
However, the running back has averaged a sterling 5.1 yards per carry over his entire professional career. He averaged an even five during his last Pro Bowl season in 2022. It’s fair to wonder at this stage of his career how much damage can do in the pass game. However, he has made 128 receptions for 1,042 yards and five touchdowns over his career. Ben Johnson would have to extract as much playmaking ability Chubb has left.
If he were to come to Chicago, Chubb would form a tandem with D’Andre Swift. Swift nearly had 1,000 yards in his Bears debut (959) while scoring six touchdowns. However, he averaged just 3.8 yards on a career-high 353 carries. If he is going to remain Johnson’s RB1, Swift needs to be much more efficient.
Adding another running back to the mix makes the Bears much more dynamic. They can mix and match how they decide to attack the defense. Chubb has a lot to prove after numerous injuries. But if healthy, he can provide a bit of thunder to Swift’s lightning. It’d be naive to expect a Pro Bowl season, but a healthy Chubb certainly improves the running back room.
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