Why the Browns Moved On From Nick Chubb and How He’s Reviving His Career in Houston
Nick Chubb’s name carries weight in Cleveland. For years, he was the heartbeat of the Browns’ offense, a steady and powerful runner who seemed impossible to replace. In fact, he ranks third all-time in franchise rushing yards and touchdowns, behind only legends Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly. What makes that even more remarkable is that Chubb did it in far fewer games, with his yards per game second only to Brown himself.
And yet, when the offseason rolled around in 2025, the Browns made a surprising decision. Instead of bringing him back as a free agent, they let him walk away. That move allowed Chubb to sign with the Houston Texans, where he’s already stepping into a major role. But why did Cleveland let such a beloved and productive player go?
The answer comes down to timing, injuries, and age. Chubb’s career took a sharp turn back in Week 2 of the 2023 season when he suffered a devastating knee injury. He returned in 2024 but didn’t look like the same player. In eight games, his average dropped to just 3.3 yards per carry—well below the standard he had set in earlier seasons. On top of that, Chubb is set to turn 30 this December, a milestone that often signals decline for running backs.
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So, the Browns chose to reset. They committed to Jerome Ford, drafted Quinshon Judkins in the second round, and added Dylan Sampson in the fourth. It was clear they wanted a younger, faster backfield, even if it meant moving on from one of their all-time greats.
Meanwhile, the Texans saw an opportunity. They originally signed Chubb for depth behind Joe Mixon, but Mixon’s foot injury has pushed Chubb into the starting role right away. And he’s wasting no time proving he still has plenty left. In Week 1, Chubb carried the ball 13 times for 60 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per run against the Rams’ tough defense. His longest gain was 13 yards, and coaches noted how he seemed to get stronger as the game went on.
Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley even highlighted that Chubb thrives with more touches, saying he’s the kind of runner who wears down defenses in the second half. And Chubb himself echoed that sentiment: as the game progresses, his rhythm builds, and his power shows.
It’s a comeback story in progress. After battling multiple injuries—knee damage in 2023 and then a broken foot in 2024—Chubb looks determined to reestablish himself. He’s on a one-year, $5 million deal, and with Mixon sidelined indefinitely, this is his chance to lead again.
For Houston, leaning on Chubb makes sense. Their offense has struggled to finish drives, but a reliable running game could balance things out. And for Chubb, it’s about proving he can still be that dominant, downhill runner who once carried Cleveland.
The Browns may have chosen youth, but the Texans are betting on experience—and early signs suggest Chubb still has plenty of fight left in him.
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