Why Browns let Nick Chubb leave to join Texans

Nick Chubb is one of the greatest offensive players to ever suit up for the Cleveland Browns.

He ranks third in franchise history in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, behind just Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly.

Chubb played in only half the Cleveland games as Kelly, though. His yardage per game is second only to Brown.

Yet this offseason, when the Browns could've signed Nick Chubb back as a free agent, they opted to let him walk.

Chubb ended up with the Houston Texans instead, and he's playing a huge early-season role with Joe Mixon out injured.

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Why did the Browns let Nick Chubb leave for the Texans?

The Cleveland Browns decided to move in a new direction at the running back position.

Chubb had suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season. By the time he returned in 2024, he got to play in eight games and averaged only 3.3 yards per carry.

This December, Chubb will turn 30, and the Browns opted to get a lot younger.

They retained Jerome Ford, then drafted both Quinshon Judkins in the second round and Dylan Sampson in the fourth round to get a new-look RB room.

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Why did the Texans sign Nick Chubb?

The Texans signed Nick Chubb to be veteran RB depth behind Joe Mixon.

It worked out in a major way, because Mixon is now out for an extended period of time and Chubb can carry the load.

Chubb had 13 carries for 60 yards in Week 1, and he'll try to keep proving he is still a high-level RB as this season goes along.

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