Nick Chubb Heads to Houston: Texans Hope for a Comeback Story in 2025
After seven grueling, productive, and ultimately injury-riddled years with the Cleveland Browns, running back Nick Chubb is poised for a fresh start. According to league sources, Chubb is expected to sign a one-year contract with the Houston Texans, pending the results of a physical examination scheduled for Monday. If all goes well, the four-time Pro Bowler will don the deep steel blue of Houston and bring veteran leadership to an offense looking to elevate its run game to the next level.
This signing marks a bold move by the Texans, who are clearly in win-now mode after a breakout 2024 season. With quarterback C.J. Stroud developing into one of the most promising young passers in the league and a talented core around him, the addition of a high-upside veteran like Chubb could be a game-changer — if he can return to form.
A Career of Highs and Setbacks
Nick Chubb entered the NFL in 2018 as a second-round pick out of the University of Georgia. From day one, he proved to be a workhorse with elite vision, power, and breakaway speed. In just seven seasons, Chubb rushed for 6,843 yards and 52 touchdowns, placing him third on the all-time rushing list for the Browns — a franchise steeped in running back history thanks to legends like Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly.
Between 2019 and 2022, Chubb was consistently one of the league’s top rushers. His blend of toughness between the tackles and home-run potential on the outside made him a nightmare for defenses. He earned four Pro Bowl nods during that span and routinely carried the Browns’ offense through tough stretches.
But in 2023, disaster struck.
The Injury That Changed Everything
In Week 2 of the 2023 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chubb suffered a devastating knee injury that ended his campaign prematurely. The hit, which was replayed countless times on national broadcasts, sent shockwaves through the NFL. Many feared it could be career-threatening, especially given Chubb’s history with knee injuries dating back to college.
After a grueling rehab process, Chubb returned to action in Week 7 of the 2024 season. In his comeback game against the Bengals, he scored a touchdown and showed flashes of his old self. But the spark was short-lived. Chubb appeared hesitant at times, lacked the same burst, and struggled to find running lanes. Over the next several weeks, it became evident that he wasn’t operating at full strength.
The bad luck continued when he suffered a broken foot in Week 15, effectively ending his season once again. Through eight games in 2024, he rushed for just 332 yards, averaging a career-low 3.3 yards per carry — a sharp decline from his 5.3 career average prior to the injury. He also posted a career-worst 4.9% explosive run rate (rushes of 10+ yards), indicating that his trademark big-play ability had been significantly diminished.
Still, the Texans believe there’s reason for hope.
A New Chapter with the Texans
Houston’s front office sees Chubb as a low-risk, high-reward signing — a one-year flyer with upside. At 29 years old, Chubb still has time to bounce back, especially with modern sports medicine and the support of a competitive organization. While the Texans aren’t expecting him to shoulder the entire load, they’re intrigued by the possibility that he could form a lethal one-two punch with Pro Bowler Joe Mixon.
Mixon, who arrived via trade from the Cincinnati Bengals ahead of the 2024 season, proved he still had plenty left in the tank. He rushed for 1,016 yards and found the end zone 11 times, helping Houston win the AFC South and make a spirited playoff run. With Mixon as the lead back, Chubb can ease his way into the offense without the pressure of being the focal point.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans, now in his third season, has already expressed excitement about the team’s “continued growth” and evolution on offense. The Texans are building a versatile and physical unit, and Chubb’s bruising style — if healthy — fits perfectly into that identity.
Crowded Backfield, Clear Roles
Chubb won’t be alone in the Texans’ backfield. In addition to Mixon, Houston still has former third-round pick Dameon Pierce, change-of-pace veteran Dare Ogunbowale, and recently drafted rookie Woody Marks out of USC. Marks is seen as a dynamic receiving threat who could earn playing time early, especially on third downs and in two-minute situations.
While it may seem crowded, the depth is a necessary asset for a team with playoff ambitions. Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, particularly at running back. Houston is hedging its bets by assembling a committee that can absorb wear and tear across the season. Chubb, with his experience and locker-room presence, will be a valuable addition regardless of how the touches are divided.
It’s also worth noting that Chubb’s contract is expected to be incentive-laden — heavily influenced by games played and production metrics. That structure protects the Texans while giving Chubb plenty of motivation to prove he can still be an elite contributor.
Redemption, Respect, and the Road Ahead
For Chubb, this isn’t just a new contract — it’s a second chance. He’s long been one of the NFL’s most respected players, admired for his quiet leadership, work ethic, and on-field excellence. Teammates rave about his no-nonsense approach and dedication to his craft.
But after two straight injury-plagued seasons, he knows he has to earn that respect all over again.
“I’ve always let my play do the talking,” Chubb said in a past interview. “And when you’re not out there playing, it’s hard to make a statement. But I’m not done. Not even close.”
This move to Houston gives him a platform to do just that. With a young, ascending quarterback in Stroud, a creative offensive coordinator in Bobby Slowik, and a roster that’s hungry to make a deep postseason run, the pieces are in place for Chubb to write the next chapter of his football story — one that could end in redemption.
What the Texans Are Getting — and Hoping For
At his best, Chubb is one of the most punishing and efficient runners in the league. He doesn’t dance in the backfield. He hits holes with authority, makes defenders miss, and rarely goes down on first contact. Houston isn’t expecting 2019 Nick Chubb — the guy who nearly won the rushing title — but even 80% of that version would significantly boost the offense.
If Chubb can stay healthy and recapture some of that explosiveness, the Texans’ ground game will be one of the deepest in the NFL. It would also take pressure off Stroud, who already has to navigate a tough AFC landscape filled with elite pass rushers and complex defenses.
For now, all eyes are on the physical. If Chubb passes it and the deal is finalized as expected, he’ll be on the field in Texans gear before minicamp wraps up later this month.
It’s a risk, yes — but one the Texans believe is worth taking.
Source: Sources: RB Nick Chubb expected to sign 1-year deal with Texans
Final Thoughts
The NFL is a league of constant change, and few careers highlight that truth better than Nick Chubb’s. From early stardom to devastating injuries, to a possible comeback with a new team, his journey is one of perseverance and resilience. As he steps onto the field in Houston, one thing is clear: he’s not ready to let his story end in Cleveland.
And the Texans, with eyes on a Super Bowl run, are giving him the chance to rewrite it.Read More: The Cooper Flagg Era Begins: Mavericks Set to Draft Teenage Sensation at No. 1