Chicago Bears tied to ex-Browns running back after NFL Draft whiff (2025)

Everyone expected the Chicago Bears to take a running back early in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, when the event ended, the Bears’ only running back selection was seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai.

Perhaps Monangai becomes a diamond in the rough for Chicago. But at least on paper, the Bears still have a massive need at running back. Arguably, it was the team’s biggest roster hole entering the draft. And yet, the position remains a question mark.

Still, the Bears can always turn back to the running back free agent market to find some extra firepower. Taylyn Hadley of Bleacher Report suggested Chicago take a look at former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb.

“After the Bears failed to make the expected push for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in the draft — and did not make a running back pick until midway in the seventh — the door remains open for Chubb to join a stellar D’Andre Swift in Chicago,” Hadly wrote.

“Heading into his second season with the Bears, Swift would be the clear-cut first option, but the team does not have a very strong running back room behind him. Roschon Johnson can find the end zone on short runs but is not the best field runner.”

Chubb would be the much-needed veteran presence on the Bears running back team that has a promising young core,” Hadley concluded.

Nick Chubb joins Chicago Bears backfield

Chicago Bears tied to ex-Browns running back after NFL Draft whiff 2Browns Nick Chubb runs for a touchdown – Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Bears finished their 2024 campaign ranked 25th in total rushing, averaging 102 yards per game. Lead rusher D’Andre Swift averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. While he is still poised to enter the season as Chicago’s RB1, it’s clear to see why the team has been connected to the running back position so heavily.

Still, the Bears would be taking a gamble if they were to bring Chubb in. At this stage of free agency, the running back won’t break the bank. However, injuries have taken a major toll on Chubb’s career. It’s one thing to buy a lottery ticket, but you must know it at least has a chance of cashing. If Chubb were to suffer another serious injury, his impact in Chicago would be obsolete.

The running back did make his way back into eight games during the 2024 campaign, after only appearing in two the year before. However, coming back from a serious knee injury, it was a step in the right direction. Chubb ultimately ran for 332 yards and three touchdowns over 102 carries.

Any team signing Chubb is taking a chance on him still having gas left in the tank. Still, the running back has shown plenty of potential over his NFL career. Chubb is a four-time Pro Bowl nominee with 6,843 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns to his name. If he is truly healthy, and that’s a big if, Chubb can still make a difference in some team’s backfield.

New head coach Ben Johnson is looking for playmakers across the roster. Chubb has shown he can versatile, catching 128 passes for 1,042 yards and five touchdowns over his seven-year NFL career. Furthermore, he has averaged a healthy 5.1 yards per carry. If signed, Johnson would surely have a plan in place to put Chubb in a place to succeed.

Chicago must triple check any medical information before making any final decision on Chubb. However, it is undoubtable the team is in need of a running back. Perhaps another year removed from his injury is all the running back needs to get back up to speed. That’s at least what the Bears would be hoping if Chubb comes to the Windy City.

Chicago Bears tied to ex-Browns running back after NFL Draft whiff 3Browns Nick Chubb trying to break off a big gain – Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images