Free agency is the gift that keeps on giving for Houston, as the Texans signed former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb this week.
Adding Chubb adds another dimension to the offense that lacked identity outside of Joe Mixon and Nico Collins. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, many teams were interested in the former Browns running back, but going to a contender was a big part of his decision.
Once Chubb cleared his physical, the deal was then confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
What Chubb Brings
Chubb brings tenacity and strength with his running, as he has tallied four 1000-plus-yard seasons in his seven-year career.
Injuries have hampered Chubb’s last two seasons, as he tore his MCL and meniscus, which also required ACL surgery, in 2023, and broke his foot in week 15 in 2024. Only playing in ten games over the last two seasons may be a cause for concern, but he won’t be the bell-cow running back. The lighter workload should provide the opportunity for a full-season run.
What it means for Texans
The Chubb signing should bring an end to Dameon Pierce‘s tenure with the Texans. While the Browns made a two-power-back system work with Chubb and Kareem Hunt, it doesn’t look like Houston will follow that blueprint.
While Pierce carved out a better role for himself as a kick returner, that may not be enough to keep him on the roster going into the final year of his rookie deal. The running back room will likely consist of Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb, and Dare Ogunbowale as the pass-catching back.
Chubb will bring another veteran presence and offer a dynamic punch in short-yardage situations behind Joe Mixon. The Texans are doing everything in their power to maximize C.J. Stroud‘s rookie contract and opportunities. If he can recoup just some of his previous production with Cleveland, Chubb will be a great addition as a bargain value.
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