Nearly two weeks after the 2025 NFL free agent market opened on March 12, former Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb remains unsigned, leaving fans across the league stunned. The 29-year-old, four-time Pro Bowler suffered a devastating knee injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which limited him to just eight games in 2024, where he managed 332 rushing yards and three touchdowns. But before the injury, Chubb was widely regarded as one of the NFL’s elite running backs, boasting four 1,000-yard seasons and 51 career rushing touchdowns.
Chubb’s resume speaks for itself. He’s racked up 6,843 career rushing yards, placing him third in Browns franchise history, and his 5.3 yards per carry average over seven seasons is among the best in the league. Fans on X are vocal about their confusion and frustration. One Browns fan pleaded, “We’ve all been asking the team daily to re-sign him since the season ended,” while another user called Chubb “still nasty,” highlighting his on-field impact when healthy. Speculation about his next landing spot is rampant—some see him as a “future Chief,” while others guess the Denver Broncos might sign him. A hopeful fan wrote, “Wish him the best. He’s a monster on the field when healthy. Would love to see him with a contender.” But there’s also concern about the running back market, with one user noting, “I know RBs market been dying but it might be dead even with Barkley contract,” referencing Saquon Barkley’s recent deal with the Eagles.
The Browns, meanwhile, are moving forward with 25-year-old Jerome Ford as their top running back. Ford stepped up in 2023 after Chubb’s injury, posting 813 rushing yards, 1,132 total yards, and nine touchdowns. But 2024 was a step back—Ford managed just 565 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 790 total yards, hampered by a regressing Cleveland offensive line. The Browns’ reluctance to re-sign Chubb, despite his history with the team, might stem from his injury concerns and the devalued running back market, but it’s a decision that’s left fans scratching their heads.
Chubb’s situation raises bigger questions about the NFL’s treatment of running backs. Even with his proven track record, teams seem hesitant to invest in a player with a recent injury history, especially at a position that’s increasingly seen as replaceable. Yet, Chubb’s talent and production when healthy make him a potential steal for a contender like the Chiefs, who were rumored to be interested in him earlier this offseason. As the draft nears, the clock is ticking for Chubb to find a new home—but his next move could reshape a team’s backfield and prove the doubters wrong.
