Nick Chubb Rumors: Surprising AFC franchise eyeing 4x Pro Bowler as he looks for new home after Browns exit

After playing just 10 games over the past two seasons, including an unfortunate knee injury in 2023, Nick Chubb hit the open market in free agency. The Cleveland Browns elected to move on from the four-time Pro Bowler after seven seasons, drafting two running backs during the 2025 NFL Draft.

In free agency, the market for Chubb has remained surprisingly underwhelming. The 2022 All-Pro second-teamer remains a free agent as teams enter their minicamps. Despite a lack of looks from clubs around the NFL so far in the offseason, one AFC franchise emerged as a potential suitor on Sunday afternoon.

ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler broke news of reported mutual interest between the star running back and the Houston Texans.

Houston could bolster their running back group in a big way alongside Pro Bowler Joe Mixon with Chubb, adding reinforcement to an overall underwhelming rushing attack despite a solid individual effort from Mixon.

The former second-round pick out of Georgia posted career-lows in yards-per-carry and yards-per-game in 2024, behind an abysmal offensive line unit in Cleveland. With Houston's solid upgrades to its o-line, Chubb could be poised for an efficient bounce-back campaign alongside Mixon with the Texans this season.

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Nick Chubb linked to Bears, Commanders amid Texans rumors

Although Nick Chubb is yet to strike a deal with his next NFL home, playoff contenders are keeping the veteran back on their radar as the offseason rolls on. Earlier this week, before reports of Houston's interest in Chubb, the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders were linked to the 29-year-old back.

Looking at potential landing spots for Chubb, Jeremy Fowler offered the two NFC playoff contenders as likely destinations, considering both teams' lack of top-end depth in the backfield.

"The Bears and Commanders come to mind in general terms as teams that could be looking for an extra back," Fowler said during an appearance on ESPN Cleveland.

Chicago and Washington have proven starters in D'Andre Swift and Brian Robinson Jr., respectively, but could bolster their running back groups in a big way by signing Nick Chubb. The resilient back could step in and compete for reps with either Swift or Robinson behind two solid offensive line units in both Washington and Chicago.

Nick Chubb is set to enter his eighth NFL season in 2025 and will turn 30 during the regular season. In eight games for Cleveland a season ago, Chubb notched up 102 carries for 332 yards and three touchdowns as the Browns attempted to ramp up his workload to remain competitive during the season.