Browns running back Nick Chubb is set to be a free agent after this season, but he has every desire to stay in Cleveland for the rest of his career.
“I started here. I’d like to finish here,” said Chubb via Cleveland.com’s Dan Labbe. “Cleveland just means a lot to me. Everything we’ve been through, ups and downs, but I’m proud to be drafted here.”
Chubb agreed to a revised contract with the Browns this offseason as he worked his way back from last year’s knee injury. He’s managed just 291 yards and three touchdowns on 93 rushing attempts in his seven appearances this year, indicating that he’s still working his way back to his previous Pro Bowl form. Chubb will also turn 29 on Dec. 27; combined, those two factors could complicate negotiations with the Browns.
Cleveland still has to figure out a plan for Deshaun Watson‘s fully-guaranteed contract. Absorbing a massive dead cap hit in 2025 could hinder their ability to keep in-house free agents like Chubb. After taking a pay cut this year, he may be looking to cash in on what could be the last big contract of his career.
The Browns haven’t gotten much production out of their other running backs this year. Jerome Ford, D’Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong have combined for fewer than 600 rushing yards and just one rushing touchdown. Whether it’s Chubb, an external free agent or a draft pick, the Browns will need to figure out a new plan for their backfield in 2025.
Chubb is not the only notable Browns player to publicly state that he wants to remain in Cleveland after his contract expires. Jameis Winston also wants to stick around, indicating that the Browns have maintained a cohesive organizational culture despite the turmoil surrounding the franchise since their ill-fated acquisition of Watson in 2022.
