Nick Chubb is staying in the AFC.
The former Cleveland Browns running back signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Houston Texans on Monday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Rapoport reported Sunday that Chubb was expected to sign with Houston, pending a physical. Chubb passed the physical and officially signed his deal, per a team announcement, with Rapoport adding the contract has a max value of $5 million.
Cleveland and Chubb had discussions regarding a reunion prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, but the two sides could not agree on a deal, Rapoport added.
Chubb, a second-round pick in the 2018 draft, spent his first seven seasons with the Browns. He immediately showcased his dynamic ability as a rookie, nearly rushing for 1,000 yards (996) and contributing 10 total touchdowns.
In his sophomore season, Chubb arrived as one of the top running backs in the league, rushing for 1,494 yards and earning his first Pro Bowl nod. He continued to be a true workhorse for Cleveland over the following three seasons, achieving three more Pro Bowl honors, as well as rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring eight or more total touchdowns each year.
However, Chubb's 2023 campaign was derailed early.
In a Week 2 Monday Night Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chubb suffered a knee injury that forced him out for the rest of that season. It was a devastating blow for Chubb, who overcame a similar injury to the same knee in college at Georgia.
Chubb's recovery carried into the 2024 season, causing him to miss the team's first six games. He returned to the field in Week 7 versus the Cincinnati Bengals and found the end zone for a nice moment, but contributed a negligible 22 yards on 11 carries.
Chubb's 2024 season was shortened by injury, as well. He was placed on injured reserve due to a broken foot and missed the Browns' final three games. He finished with 102 carries for 332 yards and three touchdowns in eight games played.
The Browns selected running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in April's draft to join Jerome Ford in the backfield. General manager Andrew Berry stated in May that bringing back the four-time Pro Bowler was increasingly unlikely, so Chubb landing elsewhere has been anticipated for some time.
Chubb's 6,843 career rushing yards and 51 rushing TDs both rank third in Browns franchise history, behind only Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly.
Now, Chubb will get a fresh start in a Texans backfield that features Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale.
The NFL community could get a first glimpse at Chubb in a Texans uniform very soon as Houston begins its mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.
