Insider Expects Nick Chubb to Reunite With Browns

Nick Chubb has a new team, but Cleveland will always be home and a reunion with the Browns could still happen, even if it’s just ceremonial.

Chubb agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Texans after a reunion with the Browns fell through. His deal with the Texans is worth $2.5 million, with incentives worth an additional $2.5 million.

Over seven standout seasons in Cleveland, Chubb etched his name into both Browns and NFL history. He ranks third on the franchise’s all-time rushing list with 6,843 yards, trailing only legends Jim Brown (12,312) and Leroy Kelly (7,274).

Chubb also recorded 30 career 100-yard rushing games — the second-most in team history — and his 51 rushing touchdowns rank third all-time for the Browns. The Browns have announced that they plan to induct Chubb into their Ring of Honor eventually.

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com believes Nick Chubb’s story in Cleveland isn’t over. The 29-year-old could make his way back under new circumstances, or return one day to retire in the jersey that defined his career.

“There’s definitely a chance the Browns will work something out with Nick Chubb down the road even if he signs just to retire as a Brown,” Cabot said. “I absolutely think this should and will happen. Based on Chubb’s heartfelt thank you to Browns fans, I truly believe he’ll be open to it and will want it as much as the Browns and their fans do.”

Nick Chubb Penned Emotional Goodbye to Browns

After signing with the Texans, Chubb said he didn’t have time to process leaving Cleveland for Houston. But after a few days, Chubb penned a goodbye message on social media.

“[Seven] years. That’s more than just time — it’s where I grew roots, found a home, and felt a love like nowhere else,” Chubb wrote. “Cleveland, you didn’t just embrace me; you became family. To every fan who cheered, shouted, and believed — you gave me purpose.

“This isn’t goodbye to what we built; it’s a thank you. For the trust, the passion, and the moments that made me feel like I belonged here from day one. Cleveland, you’ll always have a piece of my heart. Until we meet again.”

Parting ways with Chubb has also been a blow to the locker room in Cleveland, where his quiet leadership will be missed.

“I love Nick. I think a lot of the guys who are in this locker room still feel the same way as I do. It crushes to see him get injured, had to battle through, and then it happened again. So we want the very best for him,” Garrett said. “Happy to see him still able to play, still able to do his thing. Wanted to see him go back to being the player that he was and have a smile on his face, and continue to ball out.”

Browns Leaning on Rookies in Backfield

The Browns had talks with Chubb ahead of the draft but were unable to reach a deal. To fill the void, Cleveland drafted Quinshon Judkins in the second round and added Dylan Sampson in the fourth round. Veteran Jerome Ford will also be in the mix after taking a pay cut.

The new depth in the backfield was a significant reason why the Browns did not decide to bring Chubb back.

“It’s not that the Browns didn’t want him on the team this season. It’s that they didn’t want to bring him back as the fourth-string running back and then not have many reps for him,” Cabot said.

Chubb will work alongside Joe Mixon in Houston. Mixon is coming off a Pro Bowl year with the Texans.