Nick Chubb has been a beacon of reliability and heart in the NFL, especially for fans in Cleveland since he was drafted in 2018. His humble demeanor paired with his powerful running style has endeared him to many, making the prospect of his impending departure from the Browns a tough pill to swallow. After seven impressive seasons, Chubb finds himself a free agent, and the uncertainty surrounding his future is a hot topic among fans and analysts alike.
During his time with the Browns, Chubb didn’t just wear the uniform; he made his mark, racking up four Pro Bowl selections and achieving a second-team All-Pro honor. His impressive total of 6,843 rushing yards places him third in the franchise’s storied history, a testament to both his skill and durability on the field.
But as we look ahead, many are left wondering about his next chapter. Will he continue to call Cleveland home, or is there a new destination on the horizon for Chubb?
In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL free agency cycle, predictions about Chubb’s future have started making the rounds. One notably bold forecast from Anthony Miller suggests that Chubb could secure the title of the NFL’s highest-paid running back. He points to the investment the Eagles and Ravens have made in older running backs and how it has positively impacted their teams. Miller even theorizes that Chubb’s contract could rival Christian McCaffrey’s lucrative $19 million per year deal.
However, while the allure of such an agreement may be enticing, there are significant factors to consider. The reality is that Chubb is approaching 30, and his injury history raises important red flags. It’s one thing to dream big, but investing heavily in a player who has struggled with injuries is a risky proposition.
Once regarded as a dominant force, particularly evident through his first six seasons where he consistently averaged over five yards per carry, recent performances have not reflected that same level of prowess. Chubb faced a challenging season in 2024, where his yards per carry plummeted to just 3.3, hinting that the impact of his multi-ligament knee injury is still palpable.
The metrics further highlight this decline. Out of 46 running backs with at least 100 carries last season, Chubb found himself ranked towards the bottom in key efficiency metrics: 43rd in explosive rush rate, 44th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and dead last in yards after contact per attempt. This slump starkly contrasts with the Chubb we know, showcasing just how dramatically his injury has affected his game.
Still, there remains a glimmer of hope. Can Chubb rediscover his form and prove his worth on a new deal? There’s potential for him to bounce back and provide value to a team, but the issue of committing major dollars to a player in his current state presents a formidable challenge for any front office. The essence of the question remains: will any team be willing to back up the Brinks truck for the 2025 version of Nick Chubb? The consensus seems to suggest that they likely won’t.
