Veteran running back Nick Chubb is expected to sign with the Houston Texans on Monday, pending a successful team physical, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the top free agents available, looks likely to continue his career in the AFC after a return to the Cleveland Browns grew unlikely.
Houston plans to pair Chubb with Joe Mixon to strengthen a backfield that struggled outside of Mixon’s contributions last season.
Mixon led the Texans with 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, but the supporting cast underperformed. Second-string back Dameon Pierce recorded just 293 yards and two touchdowns, with much of that yardage coming from a single run.
Sources: #Browns free agent RB Nick Chubb, one of the most decorated players available, is expected to sign with the #Texans on Monday if all goes well with his physical, sources say.
Chubb’s 2024 ended prematurely with an injury, but now he could return for more in Houston. pic.twitter.com/Ogy9MKKVxT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 8, 2025
Chubb’s potential addition offers a proven playmaker with a track record of success. Despite a decline in production during the 2024 season due to injuries, Chubb has four seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards. His career-best 1,525 yards came in 2022.
However, concerns remain over his health after multiple knee surgeries in 2023, including repairs to the medial capsule, meniscus, MCL, and ACL in his left knee — the same knee that suffered severe damage during his college career at Georgia.
The Browns’ decision to draft Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in recent rounds, along with retaining Jerome Ford, reduced Chubb’s chances of returning to Cleveland.
General manager Andrew Berry’s focus on younger options made Chubb’s departure more likely.
ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler noted that while a Cleveland return is not impossible, Houston appears the frontrunner for Chubb’s services. The Texans have actively pursued running back options and could provide Chubb with a clearer path to significant playing time alongside Mixon.
Photo: Perry Knotts/Getty Images
