Nick Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowl running back, has officially joined the Houston Texans, as announced by the team on Tuesday.
This marks a new phase in his NFL journey after spending seven seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
At 29 years old, Chubb signed a one-year contract with the Texans worth $2.5 million, which could increase to $5 million based on performance incentives, according to several reports. The agreement was completed after he passed a team physical on Monday.
Chubb will join a Texans backfield that already includes Pro Bowler Joe Mixon, who led the team last season with 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Chubb’s addition is expected to strengthen a group that faced challenges with depth and consistency when Mixon was injured.
This offseason, Chubb was among the most desired free agents available. Even though he received offers with more guaranteed money from other teams like the New Orleans Saints, he chose Houston’s deal because it offered him a chance to play an important role next to Mixon and under head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Drafted by the Browns in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Chubb rushed for over 1,000 yards in four of his seven seasons in Cleveland.
He ended his time there with 6,843 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns. However, injuries plagued his last two seasons, including a serious knee injury in 2023 and a broken foot that limited him to just eight games in 2024. Last season, he averaged a career-low of 3.3 yards per carry before being placed on injured reserve.
Chubb’s agreement with Houston provides him an opportunity to prove he is one of the top running backs in the league again.
If he remains healthy and gets back to his best, the Texans believe his addition will boost their offense, which is guided by third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, after they finished last season with a 10-7 record and made it to the divisional round of the playoffs.
This week, Chubb will take part in the Texans’ mandatory minicamp as he starts to learn the playbook and figure out his position in the offense.
