Kansas City, MO – April 27, 2025 —
The Kansas City Chiefs set the tone for their offseason Sunday, agreeing to sign former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb to a one-year, $5 million deal, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The move comes on the heels of a strong 2025 NFL Draft and aims to bolster the backfield alongside Isiah Pacheco after a tough 40–22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Nick Chubb’s Comeback Journey
Chubb, 29, rushed for 332 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, while battling back from a broken foot and a 2023 ACL/MCL tear (NFL.com).
The Browns, having drafted Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, opted not to re-sign the four-time Pro Bowler, paving the way for Chubb to seek a new team.
“Nick’s a proven grinder,” Chiefs GM Brett Veach said, eyeing Chubb’s 6,511 career rushing yards to complement Pacheco’s 935 yards from 2024.
Chiefs’ Cap Strategy
With $12.7 million in available cap space, Kansas City easily absorbs Chubb’s $5 million cap hit, a relative bargain for his pedigree, according to Spotrac.
Pacheco, entering a contract year after missing 10 games with a broken leg, now forms a dynamic 1-2 punch with Chubb.
Chubb’s physical running style (PFF grade 82.3) is expected to wear down opposing defenses.
“This backfield’s built for balance,” coach Andy Reid said.
Filling a Major Need
Despite their Super Bowl appearance, Kansas City ranked just 28th in rushing yards in 2024 (1,392 yards).
The Chiefs addressed this shortfall aggressively during the offseason:
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Drafted: Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, and Nohl Williams
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Signed: Nick Chubb
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Planning: Adding wide receiver depth to replace DeAndre Hopkins
Chubb, Pacheco, and potentially Kareem Hunt create a deep, versatile backfield to relieve pressure on Patrick Mahomes (4,803 passing yards).
“We’re ready to dominate,” Chubb said, motivated by a massive chip on his shoulder.
Cleveland’s Shift
The Browns, meanwhile, pivot to a youth movement with Judkins and Jerome Ford, per The Athletic, ending the Chubb era after seven stellar seasons.
Looking Ahead
Armed with three remaining draft picks (including No. 133), the Chiefs are focused on shoring up their offense for a 2025 Super Bowl redemption tour.
Nick Chubb’s arrival could be the spark Kansas City needs to return to glory — this time, with a bruising ground game to match Mahomes’ aerial assault.
