NFL insider Ian Rapoport has stirred up speculation surrounding Nick Chubb’s future with the Cleveland Browns, leaving fans eager for clarity. The uncertainty comes after the Browns selected running back Quinshon Judkins with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, raising questions about Chubb’s role in the team moving forward [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/ian-rapoport-reveals-what-hes-hearing-about-nick-chubb-browns/ar-AA1DDU68?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJFa1pOejJOQmQ1WnBvdXR2OTRuZk4iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiaE5wY0dZbzh6cG40RnBWeVhOREJNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvaWFuLXJhcG9wb3J0LXJldmVhbHMtd2hhdC1oZXMtaGVhcmluZy1hYm91dC1uaWNrLWNodWJiLWJyb3duc1wvYXItQUExRERVNjgifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Chubb, a four-time Pro Bowler, has been a cornerstone of the Browns’ offense for years. However, injuries have plagued his recent seasons, including a devastating knee injury in 2023 and a broken foot in 2024, limiting his playing time and effectiveness [B](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/ian-rapoport-drops-bomb-on-nick-chubbs-future-with-browns/ar-AA1DDFhM?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJFa1pOejJOQmQ1WnBvdXR2OTRuZk4iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiaE5wY0dZbzh6cG40RnBWeVhOREJNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvaWFuLXJhcG9wb3J0LWRyb3BzLWJvbWItb24tbmljay1jaHViYnMtZnV0dXJlLXdpdGgtYnJvd25zXC9hci1BQTFEREZoTSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Despite these setbacks, Chubb remains a fan favorite and a respected leader in the locker room.
Rapoport’s report suggests that while Chubb remains a free agent, the Browns have not entirely closed the door on a potential reunion. He revealed that the team has had “recent dialogue” with Chubb and that “the door is open” for his return [C](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25190354-nick-chubb-browns-reportedly-discussing-return-amid-quinshon-judkins-nfl-draft-pick?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJFa1pOejJOQmQ1WnBvdXR2OTRuZk4iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiaE5wY0dZbzh6cG40RnBWeVhOREJNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYmxlYWNoZXJyZXBvcnQuY29tXC9hcnRpY2xlc1wvMjUxOTAzNTQtbmljay1jaHViYi1icm93bnMtcmVwb3J0ZWRseS1kaXNjdXNzaW5nLXJldHVybi1hbWlkLXF1aW5zaG9uLWp1ZGtpbnMtbmZsLWRyYWZ0LXBpY2sifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This revelation has sparked hope among Browns fans who would love to see Chubb back in Cleveland, even if in a reduced role.
If Chubb does return, his role would likely be different from previous seasons. With Judkins now in the mix and Jerome Ford also in the backfield, Chubb may not be the workhorse he once was [B](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/ian-rapoport-drops-bomb-on-nick-chubbs-future-with-browns/ar-AA1DDFhM?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJFa1pOejJOQmQ1WnBvdXR2OTRuZk4iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiaE5wY0dZbzh6cG40RnBWeVhOREJNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvaWFuLXJhcG9wb3J0LWRyb3BzLWJvbWItb24tbmljay1jaHViYnMtZnV0dXJlLXdpdGgtYnJvd25zXC9hci1BQTFEREZoTSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Instead, the Browns could opt for a committee approach, utilizing Chubb’s experience and leadership while allowing younger backs to take on more responsibilities.
The biggest concern surrounding Chubb’s future is his health. His injuries have significantly impacted his performance, and at 29 years old, questions remain about whether he can return to his previous form [D](https://www.nfl.com/news/free-agent-rb-nick-chubb-they-ve-already-wrote-my-ending-when-i-m-just-getting-started?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJFa1pOejJOQmQ1WnBvdXR2OTRuZk4iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiaE5wY0dZbzh6cG40RnBWeVhOREJNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm5mbC5jb21cL25ld3NcL2ZyZWUtYWdlbnQtcmItbmljay1jaHViYi10aGV5LXZlLWFscmVhZHktd3JvdGUtbXktZW5kaW5nLXdoZW4taS1tLWp1c3QtZ2V0dGluZy1zdGFydGVkIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His 2024 season saw him average just 3.3 yards per carry, a stark contrast to his dominant performances in prior years [B](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/ian-rapoport-drops-bomb-on-nick-chubbs-future-with-browns/ar-AA1DDFhM?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJFa1pOejJOQmQ1WnBvdXR2OTRuZk4iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiaE5wY0dZbzh6cG40RnBWeVhOREJNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvaWFuLXJhcG9wb3J0LWRyb3BzLWJvbWItb24tbmljay1jaHViYnMtZnV0dXJlLXdpdGgtYnJvd25zXC9hci1BQTFEREZoTSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). If he does return to Cleveland, the team will need to carefully manage his workload to maximize his effectiveness.
Chubb himself has expressed a desire to continue playing, stating earlier this year that he is not ready to walk away from the game [D](https://www.nfl.com/news/free-agent-rb-nick-chubb-they-ve-already-wrote-my-ending-when-i-m-just-getting-started?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJFa1pOejJOQmQ1WnBvdXR2OTRuZk4iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiaE5wY0dZbzh6cG40RnBWeVhOREJNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm5mbC5jb21cL25ld3NcL2ZyZWUtYWdlbnQtcmItbmljay1jaHViYi10aGV5LXZlLWFscmVhZHktd3JvdGUtbXktZW5kaW5nLXdoZW4taS1tLWp1c3QtZ2V0dGluZy1zdGFydGVkIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His determination and work ethic have been evident throughout his career, and if he can stay healthy, he could still contribute meaningfully to the Browns’ offense.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to whether the Browns believe Chubb can still be a valuable asset. His leadership, experience, and ability to mentor younger players could be invaluable, even if he is not the primary back. Fans will be watching closely as discussions between Chubb and the Browns continue.
For now, the speculation continues, and Browns fans will have to wait and see whether Chubb will don the orange and brown once again. Whether he stays or moves on, his impact on the franchise is undeniable, and his legacy in Cleveland is already cemented.
