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Should the Chicago Bears Sign Nick Chubb? Analyzing the Rumors and Roster Needs
Apr
The Chicago Bears are making headlines in the 2025 NFL offseason, with rumors swirling about a potential signing of former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb. As the Bears look to bolster their roster following the 2025 NFL Draft, could the four-time Pro Bowler be the missing piece in their running back room? This blog dives into the latest rumors, Chubb’s fit with the Bears, and the team’s biggest roster needs, all while addressing whether this move makes sense for Chicago.
Nick Chubb to the Bears: What’s the Buzz?
Cleveland radio personality Ken Carman of 92.3 The Fan recently sparked excitement among Bears fans, stating, “I heard [Nick Chubb] is kind of getting close to another team. It happens to be in the NFC North.” While Carman didn’t name the team, the Bears are the most likely candidate. Why? Let’s break it down:
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Detroit Lions: With Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, their backfield is set.
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Minnesota Vikings: They recently signed Jordan Mason to a two-year, $10 million deal to back up Aaron Jones.
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Green Bay Packers: Josh Jacobs got big money last offseason, and 2024 third-rounder MarShawn Lloyd is expected to contribute after recovering from injuries.
That leaves the Bears, who have been actively seeking running back help. Chicago’s current running back room includes D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, Ian Wheeler, and seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai. While Swift is a solid starter, the depth behind him lacks a proven, physical runner—enter Nick Chubb.
Who Is Nick Chubb?
Nick Chubb, a 5’11”, 227-pound running back, was a cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns’ offense from 2018 to 2022, earning four straight Pro Bowl selections and racking up over 6,900 rushing yards in his career. Known for his powerful, between-the-tackles running style, Chubb averaged an impressive 5.1 yards per carry over his career. However, injuries have derailed his recent seasons:
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In 2023, Chubb suffered a devastating knee injury (torn ACL, MCL, meniscus, and medial capsule) just two games into the season, sidelining him for the year.
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In 2024, he returned in Week 7 but struggled, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry over eight games before a broken foot ended his season in Week 14.
Now 29 years old, Chubb is a free agent with a chip on his shoulder. His Instagram posts, including videos of him squatting over 500 pounds, show he’s working hard to prove doubters wrong. “They’ve already wrote my ending when I’m just getting started,” Chubb declared, signaling his determination to reclaim his elite form.
Why the Bears Might Want Chubb
The Bears’ running back room is a clear area of concern post-2025 NFL Draft. While they added offensive firepower in Colston Loveland (tight end), Luther Burden (wide receiver), and Ozzy Trapilo (offensive tackle), and bolstered their defense with Shemar Turner (defensive lineman) and Zah Frazier (cornerback), they missed out on high-profile running backs in a loaded draft class. Selecting Kyle Monangai in the seventh round was a low-risk move, but it didn’t address the need for a dynamic, physical runner to complement Swift’s elusive style.
Here’s why Chubb could be a fit:
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Complementary Skill Set: Swift excels as an agile, outside runner, but the Bears need a power back for short-yardage and goal-line situations. Chubb’s bruising style fits this role perfectly, reminiscent of the Lions’ successful Gibbs-Montgomery duo under Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
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Low-Risk, High-Reward: Given his injury history and age, Chubb is unlikely to command a large contract. A one-year, incentive-laden deal minimizes financial risk while offering significant upside if he regains form.
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Motivated Veteran: Chubb’s work ethic and desire to prove himself could make him a valuable locker-room presence, especially for a young Bears team led by quarterback Caleb Williams.
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Familiarity: Chubb and Swift were teammates at Georgia, which could ease his integration into the Bears’ offense.
The Risks of Signing Chubb
While the potential signing is exciting, there are valid concerns:
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Injury History: Chubb’s 2023 knee injury was severe, and his 2024 foot fracture limited him to just 10 games over two seasons. At 29, his ability to return to Pro Bowl form is uncertain.
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Diminished Performance: His 3.3 yards per carry in 2024 was a far cry from his career average, raising questions about his explosiveness.
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Draft Alternatives: Some fans argue the Bears should prioritize younger talent in the draft, especially after missing out on prospects like Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson, and Bhayshul Tuten.
The Bears’ Biggest Roster Problem Post-Draft
Even with their draft haul, the Bears’ running back depth remains their most pressing roster issue. D’Andre Swift posted 959 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 but averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, indicating the need for a stronger complementary back. Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai are unproven, and Travis Homer and Ian Wheeler are primarily special teams contributors. Without a reliable RB2, the Bears’ offense risks becoming one-dimensional, putting extra pressure on Caleb Williams and the passing game.
Should the Bears Sign Chubb?
The case for signing Nick Chubb boils down to a low-risk, high-reward gamble. A healthy Chubb could form a dynamic duo with Swift, giving the Bears a versatile backfield to support their revamped offensive line (bolstered by acquisitions like Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney, and Drew Dalman). His experience and physicality would add toughness to an offense built around young playmakers like Williams, Loveland, and Burden. However, his injury history and recent struggles mean the Bears must temper expectations—he’s unlikely to be the centerpiece of the running game.
If the Bears can secure Chubb on a team-friendly deal, it’s a no-brainer. A one-year contract with performance incentives allows Chicago to test his recovery while maintaining flexibility to pursue a long-term solution in the 2026 draft. Fans are already buzzing about the possibility, with some on X calling it a “low-risk move with upside.”
The Chicago Bears are at a crossroads as they aim to build a contender around Caleb Williams. Signing Nick Chubb could address their need for a physical running back, complementing D’Andre Swift and adding depth to a thin position group. While his injury history is a concern, Chubb’s proven track record, motivation, and potential for a cost-effective deal make him an intriguing target. As rumors intensify, Bears fans should keep an eye on this developing story—Chubb could be the spark Chicago’s offense needs in 2025.
