The Chicago Bears are officially entering a pivotal stage of their offseason program with mandatory OTAs beginning this week. While the focus is on player development and system install under new head coach Ben Johnson, another narrative is quietly building around the team's roster. As the window for unrestricted free agents nears its next phase, one decorated name in the backfield has surfaced as a possible late-offseason pickup—drawing attention from both insiders and fans alike.
Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb, 29, has been one of the league’s most consistent ball carriers since entering the NFL in 2018. A four-time Pro Bowler and former second-team All-Pro, Chubb has compiled over 6,500 rushing yards despite battling injuries late in his career. After suffering a devastating knee injury early in the 2023 season, his future with the Cleveland Browns has become increasingly uncertain. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, speaking on ESPN Cleveland and in a clip shared on X (formerly Twitter), weighed in on Chubb's next move:
‘I do not expect him back with the Browns,’ Fowler said, adding, ‘the Bears and Commanders come to mind just in general terms as teams that could be looking for an extra back.’
"I do not expect him back with the Browns," - @JFowlerESPN on Nick Chubb.
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 28, 2025
Fowler mentions the Bears and Commanders as potential options. pic.twitter.com/RitkftXs0I
The Bears already feature veteran D’Andre Swift, who narrowly missed the 1,000-yard mark last season, along with Roschon Johnson and rookie Kyle Monangai, selected with the 233rd pick in April.
While the room has depth, Chubb’s power, leadership, and playoff experience could add another layer to an evolving offense looking to take the next step.
The question now becomes whether Chicago, building around a young quarterback and a revamped offensive identity, would take the risk on a high-upside veteran recovering from injury. No move has been confirmed, but if the buzz is any indication, the Bears could be exploring every option to build a complete, competitive roster.
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