Browns roster is close to set, Nick Chubb lingers in NFL free agency
The Cleveland Browns head into rookie minicamp with two new running backs selected in this year’s NFL draft, but fans continue to want to know what is going on with RB Nick Chubb. When the Browns used a second-round pick on Quinshon Judkins and a fourth-round pick on Dylan Sampson, Chubb’s future in Cleveland was in great doubt.
While the Browns might like to have Chubb back, when they gave Jerome Ford a different contract for 2025, Chubb’s future with the team was all but set.
Speaking to 92.3 The Fan a few hours before rookie minicamp opens, Cleveland GM Andrew Berry all but closed the door on Chubb’s return:
“I would says it’s probably increasingly unlikely. I’d say maybe a return is less likely, at least in the short term, with us right now.””
@Browns GM Andrew Berry w/ @KenCarman and @SportsBoyTony on a possible return for RB Nick Chubb ⤵️
Listen: https://t.co/jD2y8Eb9gX pic.twitter.com/D5kTzqb85g
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) May 9, 2025
Fans can hold out a little hope with what Berry said at the end. Following that clip, he made it clear that they are not closing the door on a Chubb return but continued with the “unlikely” language.
In seven seasons with the Browns, Chubb rushed for over 6,800 yards with 51 touchdowns. His 2023 season was cut short by a major injury in Week 2, then a broken foot sidelined the star back after playing in eight games in 2024.
Concerns about Chubb’s ability to return from multiple injuries, especially those sustained in 2023, are validated in his numbers last season. With 102 carries, Chubb had his lowest yards per carry average by far of his career. Prior to 2024, Chubb never had a YPC less than 5.0, but dropped to 3.3 last season.
As Berry noted, Chubb is far along in his recovery this offseason and could see a resurgence with another year removed from his major injuries in 2023. If Cleveland suffers a major injury at the running back position or has concerns about the backs they’ve brought in, the Browns GM could go crawling back to Chubb in a similar manner as they did to bring back Kareem Hunt after Chubb’s injury in 2023.
Do you think Chubb is officially done with the Browns, never to return? If so, what are you feeling and thoughts (for many, those will be completely different) about his departure?
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