Former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is poised to sign a one-year deal with the Houston Texans on Monday, according to reliable league sources. This contract is contingent upon Chubb successfully passing a physical examination. Despite receiving more lucrative offers from other teams, Chubb has opted for a contract that emphasizes incentives, allowing him to join forces with Joe Mixon in the Texans' backfield.
At 29 years old, Chubb has faced significant challenges over the past two seasons due to knee and foot injuries. Houston will be just the second NFL team in Chubb's seven-year career, having previously been a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia. Chubb made a profound impact on the Browns' ground game right from his rookie season, rushing for an impressive 996 yards in his first year. He followed this up with four consecutive seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards.
Chubb's 2023 season was abruptly cut short due to a serious knee injury sustained in Week 2. He made a comeback in Week 7 of the 2024 season but unfortunately missed the last three games of that season due to a broken foot. Throughout his initial five seasons, he averaged 5.2 yards per carry and 84.5 yards per game, but his performance dipped to 3.9 yards per carry and 50.2 yards per game in the last two seasons.
The addition of Chubb significantly enhances the Texans' running back room. Although his injury history raises concerns, signing Chubb to an incentive-laden one-year deal in a reserve role appears to be a calculated risk for the Texans. A healthy backfield featuring both Mixon and Chubb could provide substantial support to quarterback CJ Stroud and new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. This dynamic duo is expected to create a more compelling rushing attack for the Texans.
Furthermore, the Texans recently selected USC running back Woody Marks in the fourth round, adding further depth to their running back rotation alongside the hard-nosed Mixon, who also faced injuries last season. Additionally, Dameon Pierce, who had an outstanding rookie campaign in 2022, finds himself in a precarious position as he seeks to regain his form.
While the 2024 version of Nick Chubb may not mirror the explosive player we once knew, his anticipated departure from Cleveland marks a bittersweet moment for the team's fans. Chubb's gruesome injury in September 2023 against the Pittsburgh Steelers signaled a turning point, effectively ending a remarkable partnership that began in his rookie season.
Chubb consistently delivered tough yards and made the right plays without the need for fanfare. As he approaches his 30th birthday, it's challenging to predict what the Texans are gaining in Chubb. However, for a Houston team eager to reclaim a playoff spot, signing Chubb could prove to be a savvy decision. If he can still excel as a between-the-tackles runner who brings physicality, even without his previous speed, he could remain a valuable asset to the Texans' offense.
Meanwhile, the Browns are strategically moving forward by drafting two new running backs, paving the way for the franchise's future. Nonetheless, the impact and playmaking ability of Nick Chubb will always be cherished by the Cleveland fanbase.
