Nick Chubb Top Landing Spots: Updated 2025 NFL Free Agency Outlook

NFL free agency has entered its second week. Believe it or not, a few well-known veterans remain unsigned.

One such player is former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb. After missing most of the 2023 season with a major knee injury, Chubb returned to the Browns’ lineup at midseason. However, he struggled mightily upon his return. The team opted not to re-sign him, and he hit the open market. Chubb turns 30-years-old in December, and his career could be cut short due to his aforementioned knee injury.

Several of the top landing spots for free agent running backs have already been filled. Chubb is a trusted veteran, though, and that is something NFL coaching staffs usually covet. There are still a few teams looking for a running back, and they might have interest in signing the seven-year veteran. Let’s take a few minutes and discuss several potential landing spots for free agent running back Nick Chubb.

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Denver Broncos

The Broncos remain in the market for a running back after Javonte Williams signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Denver is highly likely to select a back in the NFL Draft, so Chubb would likely not operate as a bellcow back should he sign with the team.

However, head coach Sean Payton has routinely deployed multiple backs in his offense. Chubb could earn a role as a short-yardage or goal line specialist. We’ll see if Denver eventually signs him. Even if they do, Chubb’s latest knee injury may be too much to overcome. We may have already seen the best he has to offer.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh is in the middle of reworking their backfield for 2025. They opted not to re-sign 2021 first-round pick Najee Harris this offseason and signed Kenneth Gainwell to a one-year contract. The Steelers did place a second-round tender on free agent Jaylen Warren so there will be some continuity in the backfield this season.

Gainwell and Warren do not profile as early down hammers, so the team likely isn’t finished adding players to this backfield. Chubb would be a nice compliment to the backs currently on the roster. He could bring a power element to this backfield that is currently lacking.

Nick Chubb gets in for the TD ‼️ @NickChubb #PITvsCLE on Prime Video#GoDawgs | #DawgsInTheNFL pic.twitter.com/hC7woFafbY

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) November 22, 2024

However, given the abundance of running back talent available in the NFL Draft, it’s highly likely Pittsburgh will find their next lead back there. Still, Chubb would be a nice veteran addition to this backfield and could eventually earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

Cincinnati Bengals

Chase Brown is coming off a strong sophomore season that saw him eclipse over 1,300 scrimmage yards and score 11 total touchdowns. The Bengals have been happy with his development but have also said they are looking for another back to lighten his workload.

Chubb could work well in tandem with Brown provided the former is now fully recovered from his 2023 knee injury. Cleveland’s former RB1 wouldn’t operate as a lead back here, but he could have some fantasy value if the Bengals don’t add another running back in the NFL Draft.

That seems unlikely, but Cincinnati does have other needs to address on this roster. They might use their draft capital to fix those issues and look to fill out the running back room in free agency.

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