The Chiefs and Ravens are favorites for returning trade candidate running back, Nick Chubb this season. According to multiple reports, the Browns are releasing Royce Freeman in favor of Chubb’s return from his injury suffered in 2023. Jerome Ford has been carrying the load this year but they rank at the bottom of the league among other rosters, however, he put up 250 yards on 48 carries and one rushing touchdown. Chubb is returning in hopes of putting on a strong campaign this year to possibly intrigue other rosters before the NFL trade deadline.
The Browns are 1-4 and there’s no clear sign that the Deshaun Watson experiment will work out in Cleveland anymore. Things have been crashing and burning for the Browns so it may be easier for the team to tank rather risking one of their best players returning to put their body on the line for a losing team. Since the Browns could be looking to rebuild this upcoming offseason, they may be looking for a new running back. One source has the Browns trading Chubb to Minnesota, a team that has a chance at postseason contention and be a reliable replacement for Aaron Jones.
It seems inevitable that the Vikings will be contenders this season since they’re currently undefeated despite losing rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy for the year. Sam Darnold has been putting on a clinic for this team and Minnesota adding Chubb to the mix could fortify their backfield. However, only one could wonder what Chubb could do once he returns to make a couple of plays and if he’s the same athlete after injury. The good news is that there will be plenty of rosters looking at Nick Chubb this upcoming trade deadline and Chiefs and Ravens could be one of them.
Chiefs, Ravens Are Favorites for Returning Trade Candidate Nick Chubb
More Help for Mahomes
The rotation between rookie Carson Steele and Samaje Perine has been average at best since losing Isiah Pacheco to injury. Perine is another journeyman but Steele has a lot of growing to do before coaches can trust him. Steele has a few flashes but nothing where he could carve out a full-time role. As expected, no one is replacing Pacheco but they will still need depth help if it doesn’t work out.
Patrick Mahomes and the offense are unsure if Pacheco will be the same anymore so it may be safe to add someone like Chubb to share the ball in the backfield. The Browns probably won’t trade Chubb to one of the best NFL teams but at the right price, anything is possible. Kansas City could easily be a 2-3 team so they’re not the best undefeated roster that everyone expected.
Extra Help in Baltimore
Justice Hill and Derrick Henry have been holding down the backfield regardless of losing Keaton Mitchell this season. However, Jim Harbaugh should ensure Lamar Jackson is comfortable with enough weapons in the backfield. Chubb may not win the starting role against Henry but he could easily share the snaps. Baltimore wants to keep Henry healthy for the playoffs and since Hill is more of a dump-off running back receiver, Chubb could assist in running the football.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers probably have one of the worst offenses similar to the crashing and burning they endured last season. Carolina lost in another blowout against Chicago so it may be safe to tank this year. This means the likelihood of a Miles Sanders trade is imminent. It would leave Chuba Hubbard and rookie Jonathon Brooks alone in the backfield. Chubb could probably beat out Hubbard for the starting role if given the chance and wants to build off of this year for the 2025 campaign.
Los Angeles Chargers
Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins haven’t been explosive like Jim Harbaugh was hoping. Chubb is easily the best running back helping Justin Herbert if they trade for him. Harbaugh wants a strong running game for the entire offense and Chubb carrying the load could help them. He might have to wipe off the dust when he returns but a couple of reps in, he could be better than Edwards and Dobbins combined.
