As the Chicago Bears figure out their 2025 running back plans, veteran Nick Chubb has continuously been linked to the team as a potential free agent target. Based on the Cleveland Browns’ latest move, the Chubb to Chicago buzz will now only grow louder.
Fellow running back Jerome Ford decided to accept a pay cut for the 2025 season to ensure his spot on the roster. Chubb returning to the team was largely dependent on whether or not Ford accepted that pay cut, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
Alongside Ford, the Browns used two draft picks on running backs in 2025, Quinshon Judkins at No. 36 and Dylan Sampson at No. 216. It seems supremely unlikely that Cleveland would then bring Chubb back and carry four running backs on the roster.
“Nick Chubb will likely have to find a new home now that fellow running back Jerome Ford has accepted a paycut,” Cabot wrote. “Chubb’s return to the Browns was largely dependent on whether or not Ford accepted the paycut or was traded.”
“He took the cut on Friday, reducing his salary from $3.486 million to a guaranteed $1.75 million, a league source told cleveland.com,” Cabot continued. “If he had refused to paycut or if the Browns traded Ford, Chubb may have been re-signed.”
How Browns’ latest move affects the Chicago Bears
The Browns moving on does not guarantee Chubb will sign with the Bears. However, no other suitor has come to the forefront during free agency. Maybe now with Cleveland likely out of the running, his representation can look to draw up further interest. But if the Bears are as seriously interested as to be believed, then it might just be easier to hammer out a deal with Chicago.
If Chubb were to come to the Windy City, he would join a committee with D’Andre Swift atop the depth chart. While Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai will get opportunities, the Bears wouldn’t sign Chubb to have him sit on the bench.
The running back has been nominated to the Pro Bowl four times over his seven-year NFL career. However, injuries have taken a major toll. A serious ACL/MCL injury held Chubb to just two games in 2023. He made his return in 2024, but had another early injury exit after fracturing his foot.
Does Ben Johnson need a Nick Chubb upgrade?
When on the field, Chubb didn’t look like his same dominant self at times. He handled 102 carries for 332 yards and three touchdowns. Finding the end zone again is a good sign, but Chubb averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. Seeing as the fact that Swift only averaged 3.8 yards per carry last year put Chicago into this rushing mess, that won’t cut it in Johnson’s offense.
But for his career, Chubb has averaged a hefty 5.1 yards per carry. He has run for 6,843 yards and 51 total touchdowns. If the Bears think the running back still has gas left in the tank, it may be worth it to kick the tires; no car pun intended. But Chicago must be cautious and diligent before agreeing to a deal and must be certain Chubb is fully healthy.
The Bears finished their 2024 campaign ranked 25th in rushing, averaging 102 yards per game. With Monangai, a seventh-rounder, being their only ‘major’ addition of the offseason, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Chicago dip back into the free agency well. Especially after the Browns’ latest roster move, Chubb might be the running back atop the Bears’ shortlist.
Chicago Bears still considered NFC North cellar dwellers despite offseason moves
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