The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly interested in adding Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb this offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers might be in the market for a running back with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren both set to become free agents this offseason. Jeff Hatthorn of Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan believes that could mean stealing a running back from their AFC North rival.
Hatthorn recently reported that the Steelers are " very much interested " in signing Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb in free agency.
Chubb has been a very reliable running back throughout his seven-year NFL career, posting four straight seasons with at least 1,000 rushing yards from 2019-22.
However, in just the second game of the 2023 season, he suffered a serious season-ending injury to the same knee he injured in 2015.
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb leaves his game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on a cart on Sept. 18, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Chubb finally made his return to the field in 2024 after beginning the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list , but he was far from the same player, rushing for just 332 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and three touchdowns in eight games.
Before 2024, Chubb had never averaged less than five yards per carry in a season. That, of course, is why many believe the Browns will part ways with him in the coming weeks.
So why would the Steelers be interested in Chubb?
It's unlikely Pittsburgh will lose both Harris and Warren this offseason, but the team will probably keep the cheaper of the two in Warren . That opens up a big hole on the offense as the two have been a dynamic duo for the past few years.
Chubb will unlikely be able to fill Harris' role by himself, given his injury history, but he could serve as a nice complement to Warren or anyone else the Steelers plan to bring in.
It's no secret that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has long respected Chubb, too. Tomlin has referred to the veteran as "Mr. Chubb" on several occasions, hinting he would be open to joining forces if the opportunity presented itself. It seems that time might finally come.
It remains to be seen what the Steelers would be willing to pay the 29-year-old, but he's expected to receive a $3.25 million deal on the open market — a fair payday for an aging, backup running back.
Chubb has rushed for 6,843 yards 51 touchdowns since being drafted by the Browns in the second round (No. 35 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
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