The Pittsburgh Steelers have more things to worry about regarding the future of the offense other than just the quarterback and wide receiver positions. The organization is still on a quest for a franchise quarterback, and it also needs to add another star next to George Pickens. However, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren both in need of new contracts in 2025, critical decisions lie ahead at running back. As new reports reveal that the Steelers have interest in signing a big-time AFC North foe, fans in Cleveland are beginning to face a horrible reality.
Matt Starkey / Cleveland Browns
The Pittsburgh Steelers face off against Nick Chubb and the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 NFL Playoffs at Heinz Field.
Harris and Warren aren't the only AFC North running backs that are searching for new contracts this offseason. Cleveland Browns' perennial back Nick Chubb also has an expired contract, and will be able to field any offers from teams with interest.
Chubb went down with a career-altering knee injury against the Steelers early in the 2023 season, which resulted in Chubb missing the final 15 games of that season and the first six in 2024. Chubb's return to Cleveland's offense wasn't as significant as many Browns fans were hoping, which could lead to the two parties deciding to part ways.
After making a full recovery from his knee injury, Chubb played eight games in 2024 before then breaking his foot against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15. As long as Chubb clears his medical tests, NFL teams in need of a running back will certainly be interested in offering Chubb a contract. It was recently reported that the Steelers could be a team that has some serious interest in signing Chubb, assuming the franchise isn't interested in re-signing Harris.
Since the news broke that Chubb could end up leaving Cleveland for Pittsburgh, Browns fans are beginning to panic that they could end up living one of their greatest nightmares. Spencer German on Cleveland's 92.3 The Fan recently detailed why Chubb switching sides of the AFC North rivalry would turn him into a big-time villain.
"To go there, the city that altered the trajectory of his career, the city that is your biggest rival," German said. "Unless the Steelers break the bank to bring [Nick Chubb] in, which I don't think is going to happen anyway, you take the other offer. Even if it's not with the Browns, you take the other offer. You take any other offer that's at least close to go play somewhere else or return to Cleveland, before you end up with the Pittsburgh Steelers."
German is one of the many Browns fans hoping their franchise gives Chubb a reasonable offer and does not force him to make a tough decision late in his running back career. Mike Tomlin has always had an insurmountable amount of respect for the Cleveland hero, and a pairing between he and Warren along with a rookie could sound intriguing.
Lucy Schaly / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Browns running back Nick Chubb carries the football as he attempts to break away during a game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, PA.
German continued to talk about how if Chubb's legacy in Cleveland would change drastically if he decides to join the black and gold, a franchise that has been far more consistent at a winning level than the Browns.
"Like all of this legacy stuff, everything that he's meant to this franchise and this fan base, you want to talk about doomsday scenarios where you would not be happy for somebody when they went somewhere else, this is it. You don't sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, after being an iconic Browns player. Cannot happen."
Chubb signing with the Steelers would certainly give the AFC North rivalry a new spark in 2025, and he could fit in very well in an offense under Arthur Smith.
Steelers Need To Find The Running Back Of The Future
While Chubb would be an interesting addition to the Steelers' offense, the number of years he has left in the tank are very limited. Though he'll be 29 heading into the 2025 season, he's suffered rough injuries and most running backs aren't hitting their peaks in their 30s. The Steelers will likely look to draft a young back in addition to making a free agency signing this offseason.
Steelers running backs Najee Harris (#22) and Jaylen Warren (#30) warm up prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
