In a dramatic turn of events this offseason, Nick Chubb, the former Cleveland Browns running back, finds himself navigating the uncertain waters of free agency. After a career marred by injuries, Chubb is determined to make a comeback and has sent a strong message to the NFL with his recent workout achievements.
The story of Nick Chubb is one of resilience and heartbreak. Once regarded as one of the top-tier running backs in the league, Chubb's trajectory took a nosedive in 2023 when he suffered a devastating left knee injury during Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The injury, which involved a torn MCL and damaged ACL, sidelined him for the entire season, marking a significant setback in his promising career.
After undergoing multiple surgeries to repair the damage, Chubb made his return to the field in 2024. However, his comeback was once again cut short when he suffered a broken foot in Week 15, limiting him to just eight games that season. In those appearances, he rushed for 332 yards, averaging a disappointing 3.3 yards per carry, a stark contrast to his previous year's performance where he averaged 6.1 yards per attempt.
Despite these challenges, Chubb has not lost his fighting spirit. On April 14, 2025, he took to social media to share a video of himself squatting over 500 pounds, a clear indication that he is ready to prove the doubters wrong. "They've already wrote my ending, when I'm just getting started," Chubb captioned the video, showcasing his determination to return to the field.
At 29 years old, Chubb's future remains uncertain. The Cleveland Browns have opted not to extend his contract this offseason, leaving him as a free agent. However, reports suggest that the team may still consider bringing him back on a one-year deal, potentially as a backup to Jerome Ford, who is expected to take on the RB1 role.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have emerged as a potential landing spot for Chubb. The Broncos have been aggressive in free agency, adding defensive pieces and a versatile tight end in Evan Engram. With a pressing need for playmakers to support quarterback Bo Nix, Chubb could be an attractive option for Denver. In a season where the Broncos struggled to find a reliable running game, Chubb's experience and skill set could provide much-needed depth.
However, even if the Broncos were to sign Chubb before the NFL draft, it is unlikely to prevent them from selecting a running back with their 20th overall pick. Mock drafts consistently link the Broncos to North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, indicating that the team is keen on bolstering their backfield.
Chubb's free agent market value is estimated at around $3.2 million for a one-year deal, which could make him a feasible option for teams looking to add depth to their running back rotation. From 2019 to 2022, Chubb consistently rushed for over 1,000 yards each season, totaling 40 rushing touchdowns, highlighting his potential if he can stay healthy.
As Chubb continues to work towards a return, the reactions from fans have been overwhelmingly positive. Many Browns supporters have taken to social media to express their desire for the team to re-sign him. Comments such as, "Cmon Browns, RESIGN THIS MAN!" and "The Pride of Cedartown GA needs to retire as a Cleveland Browns player!" reflect the affection and respect fans have for Chubb.
However, the reality remains that simply squatting heavy weights does not guarantee success on the football field. While Chubb's strength in the gym is impressive, it remains to be seen if he can translate that into performance during games. The Browns may still decide to draft a running back later this month, further complicating Chubb's chances of returning to the team.
As the NFL offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Nick Chubb. Will he find a new home, or will the Browns reconsider their options and bring him back? One thing is clear: Chubb is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet, and his journey back to the NFL is just beginning.
