The Chicago Bears have spent the last few seasons reshaping their identity under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. With the arrival of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze in the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago is poised to transform into a legitimate offensive powerhouse. But there’s still a missing piece: a game-changing running back who can take pressure off the young signal-caller and control the pace of the game. Enter Nick Chubb.
The Cleveland Browns’ star running back is recovering from a devastating knee injury that cut short his 2023 season. Yet if he returns to form, he could be one of the best values in football. For a team on the cusp like the Bears, targeting Nick Chubb makes sense on multiple levels — from scheme fit and leadership to financial flexibility and team-building philosophy.
1. A Proven Workhorse with Elite Production
Nick Chubb has been one of the most consistent and productive running backs in the NFL since entering the league in 2018. Before his 2023 injury, Chubb averaged:
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5.3 yards per carry over his career
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Four straight 1,000+ yard seasons (2019–2022)
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48 career rushing touchdowns
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Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade above 85 in every healthy season
He’s not just a volume back; Chubb is an efficient, explosive runner with elite vision, balance, and strength. In a Bears offense that could thrive on play-action and ball control with a rookie quarterback, his presence would elevate the unit significantly.
2. A Perfect Fit for Shane Waldron’s Offense
New offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, previously with the Seahawks, brings a system based on outside zone concepts and play-action — exactly the type of scheme where Chubb has thrived in Cleveland. Waldron coached under Sean McVay and Pete Carroll, two coaches who value balance and physicality in the run game.
Chubb’s skill set — decisive cuts, vision in the zone run game, and explosive burst — is ideal for this offensive structure. While Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson have shown flashes, neither has proven to be a consistent RB1. Chubb would give Waldron a legitimate three-down threat who can also protect the quarterback on third down, something Herbert has struggled with.
3. Establishing Identity and Toughness
The Bears have long been associated with defense and a physical brand of football. While the NFL has shifted toward aerial attacks, teams like the 49ers, Ravens, and Browns have shown that a punishing run game still wins — especially late in the year.
Chubb fits perfectly into the cultural and football identity that Chicago wants to build: tough, no-nonsense, and relentless. With an improving offensive line led by Teven Jenkins, Darnell Wright, and newly drafted LT Olu Fashanu, Chubb could thrive behind a young, aggressive unit.
Adding a physical tone-setter like Chubb would help establish the Bears as a hard-nosed, clock-controlling team that wears opponents down — exactly the environment you want for a rookie quarterback.
4. Short-Term Commitment, Long-Term Flexibility
Due to his age (29 in December 2025) and injury history, Chubb is unlikely to command a massive, long-term deal. That works in Chicago’s favor. The Bears have ample cap space heading into 2025, with a projected $80M+ in room depending on how they structure future extensions.
Signing Chubb to a two-year, incentive-laden deal would be a low-risk, high-reward move. The contract could be structured to protect the Bears financially if his recovery doesn’t go as planned, while still giving Chubb the chance to prove he’s still elite.
Unlike some splashy free agent moves, this wouldn’t mortgage the future. It’s a bridge move that supports Caleb Williams’ development and doesn’t block the team from drafting or developing a long-term RB if needed.
5. Veteran Leadership for a Young Locker Room
Chubb is widely respected across the NFL for his work ethic, professionalism, and humility. He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but he leads by example — on the field and in the locker room. For a team with young stars like Caleb Williams, Odunze, Darnell Wright, and Jaquan Brisker, that presence matters.
Think about what Fred Taylor meant to Maurice Jones-Drew in Jacksonville or what Frank Gore meant to the 49ers’ young cores. Veteran backs help set the tone in meetings, in practice, and on Sundays. With DJ Moore as the vocal leader of the offense, Chubb could be the steady, veteran heartbeat that balances the room.
6. Insurance Policy and Playoff Formula
Even if Roschon Johnson takes a step forward or Herbert improves, the reality is that RB is a committee position in today’s NFL — until the postseason. When December hits and defenses tighten, you need a back who can grind out yards, convert tough downs, and keep your defense rested.
Chubb gives Chicago playoff-ready flexibility. He can be the bell cow if needed, or he can work in tandem with a complementary back like Johnson, who excels in pass-catching and short-yardage roles.
The Bears’ defense, especially the front seven, is also ascending. Adding a clock-controlling runner is a win for both sides of the ball.
7. Caleb Williams’ Best Friend? A Dominant Run Game
If you look at most rookie quarterbacks who’ve succeeded early, they all had help:
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C.J. Stroud had a strong O-line and Dameon Pierce
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Brock Purdy had Christian McCaffrey and Kyle Shanahan
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Dak Prescott had Zeke Elliott and a top OL
The worst thing the Bears could do is put Caleb Williams in a pass-heavy offense where he has to carry the team. Chubb would allow Chicago to play from ahead, simplify coverages via play-action, and give Williams the space to develop without overwhelming pressure.
He’s not just a luxury. He’s a strategic shield for their franchise quarterback.
Addressing the Risks: Is Signing Chubb Worth It?
Of course, no move is without risk — especially when it comes to a running back returning from injury. Let’s explore the cons and counterarguments.
1. Age and Injury Concerns
Chubb will be nearly 30 and is coming off a second significant knee injury. That’s a serious red flag. However, early reports from Browns medical staff and his own rehab updates suggest he’s on track for a full recovery. He’s shown elite athleticism and dedication to training, which bodes well.
Counterpoint: Because of the injury, his price will drop — meaning the Bears can buy low and structure protections into the contract (injury waivers, per-game bonuses, etc.).
2. Running Back Positional Value
It’s true that the league has devalued running backs, especially expensive ones. But the market correction means elite RBs are now affordable. Chubb may sign for under $7M annually — similar to what backs like James Conner and David Montgomery are earning.
Counterpoint: When you have a rookie QB contract like Caleb Williams, it frees you up to invest in short-term veteran help at positions like RB, where the drop-off from elite to average is significant.
3. Blocking and Passing Downs
While Chubb has not been known as a top-tier receiving back, he has been solid in blitz pickup and screens. He’s also a better pass protector than Khalil Herbert, who struggles in that area. Plus, in Waldron’s scheme, the RBs are not expected to be heavy route-runners. The goal is balance, not 100 targets for the RB.
Counterpoint: With Roschon Johnson in the fold as a capable pass-catcher, Chicago can still mix and match situationally.
The Market: Who Else Might Compete for Chubb?
Several teams may be in the mix for Chubb’s services if he’s released or available via trade at a reduced rate:
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Ravens (if Derrick Henry doesn’t work out long-term)
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Eagles (always looking for short-term veteran value)
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Texans (playoff-ready with cap space)
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Browns (may still want him back, but have cap issues)
Chicago can outbid most of these teams given their financial strength and clear opportunity to offer lead-back duties.
Final Verdict: Go Get Chubb
Nick Chubb is more than a luxury piece — he’s a culture-setter, tone-establisher, and efficiency engine. In a league where rookie quarterbacks often struggle under the weight of expectation, a dominant, dependable run game can be the difference between 7–10 and 11–6.
By targeting Chubb, the Bears wouldn’t just be making a splash. They’d be investing in balance, stability, and growth. He fits the locker room, fits the scheme, fits the timeline — and if healthy, he could help unlock the full potential of the 2025 Bears offense.
The time is now. Go get Nick Chubb.
