Running back Nick Chubb is one of the best players in the history of the Cleveland Browns, but it would be reasonable to assume Quinshon Judkins would spell the end of his tenure with the team. A second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Chubb quickly became one of the league’s best pure runners and was one of the few consistent pieces on offense during his time with the club.
Unfortunately, the running back suffered a gruesome knee injury early in the 2023 season that sidelined him for all but two games. While he returned to the field in 2024, he looked like a shell of his former self. Starting and appearing in eight games, the four-time Pro Bowler finished the season with just 332 yards on 102 attempts, good for an underwhelming 3.3 yards per attempt. Nick Chubb is currently a free agent entering his age-30 season, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Quinshon Judkins selection may not get in the way of a reunion.
The #Browns stick and pick again, taking #OSU RB Quinshon Judkins at No. 36.
This does not necessarily mean Nick Chubb's tenure in Cleveland is over. The two sides have had recent dialogue and the door is open.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2025
REPORT: Nick Chubb Could Return to Browns Despite Quinshon Judkins Selection
Even if Nick Chubb returns, Quinshon Judkins will probably be the primary starter in 2025. As mentioned above, Chubb never looked the same following his 2023 knee injury and is well past the age where running backs begin to slow down. Judkins probably won’t ever reach Chubb’s peak level of dominance, but he features the same aggressive, downhill running and the athleticism to routinely churn out big plays.
If Nick Chubb returns, look for him to come back on something close to a league-minimum deal and be a glorified coach on the field. This team needs a reliable veteran backup, as Jerome Ford is nothing special and Pierre Strong is a career journeyman. Chubb understands the Browns organization better than anyone else and should be an invaluable resource when it comes to helping Quinshon Judkins adjust to life in the NFL.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
