The Chicago Bears have worked hard on their roster over the past three months. Almost every major need was addressed to some extent. However, one position didn’t get the attention many had hoped for or expected. Running back felt like an obvious focus for the Bears. New head coach Ben Johnson likes to run the ball on offense. His backfield in Detroit was loaded. It made sense to get him a true workhorse to pair with D’Andre Swift. Unfortunately, circumstances didn’t break their way. The only notable addition was 7th round pick Kyle Monangai.
Such an outcome led to immediate speculation that GM Ryan Poles might go hunting for a veteran option on the free agent market. The name everybody talked about was Nick Chubb. A four-time Pro Bowler in Cleveland, his former team had made his exit inevitable with two running backs selected in the draft. While he hasn’t been the same player he was a few years ago, some feel he still has some gas in the tank now that he’s healthy. Alas, the Bears proved too slow to act on that option.
Sources: #Browns free agent RB Nick Chubb, one of the most decorated players available, is expected to sign with the #Texans on Monday if all goes well with his physical, sources say.
Chubb’s 2024 ended prematurely with an injury, but now he could return for more in Houston. pic.twitter.com/Ogy9MKKVxT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 8, 2025
The #Browns had discussions with Nick Chubb prior to the NFL Draft, but the two sides could not agree on a deal. Cleveland turned to the Draft and Houston set its eyes on Chubb. Assuming all goes well on Monday, he should land with the #Texans to join Joe Mixon. https://t.co/AcJxXfcYmA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 8, 2025
The Chicago Bears will have to look for other options.
Remember, it hasn’t been decided whether the team will add a veteran. Insiders close to the team have said the Chicago Bears brass want to see what they have first with the current lineup. If Swift, Johnson, and Monangai looked solid in OTAs and minicamps, then there won’t be any need to add another body. That said, they’d better reach a conclusion sooner rather than later. It feels like the prominent options left on the market are starting to circle the drain. Chubb is off the board. J.K. Dobbins recently met with the Denver Broncos. The only other notable name left is Jamaal Williams. While he was great in Detroit three years ago, he’s been a non-factor the past two seasons. It feels like if the Bears don’t make a move within the next week or two, they are unlikely to do so at all.