With the pending agreement between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kenneth Gainwell, the team has two similar backs who are probably best in a change-of-pace role. But the Steelers have always liked to have a big-bodied bruiser at the position. Longtime Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb is set to become a free agent later this afternoon, and he could be just the answer that the Steelers are looking for, according to former NFL scout Bucky Brooks.
“I think Nick Chubb would be a nice fit in Pittsburgh,” Brooks said in a clip from NFL Network’s Free Agency Frenzy. “When we think about the contrast the Pittsburgh Steelers normally like to play with, they normally wanna have a banger, someone that can do the dirty work in between the tackles who has the physicality and the toughness. That kinda sets the tone for the team.”
Chubb missed nearly all of the 2023 season and a solid chunk of 2024 after suffering a major knee injury against the Steelers in 2023. Before that injury, he was a Pro Bowler in four-straight seasons and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2022 when he had 1,525 rushing yards and 12 TDs on 302 carries with another 239 yards and a TD through the air.
In the eight games that he played after his return from injury last year, Chubb had 102 attempts for 332 yards and four total TDs. The Browns’ offense was dysfunctional, but it also appeared that the injury took a toll on Chubb. At 29 years old, it’s fair to wonder how much left he has in the tank with two major knee injuries in his past.
“Even though he’s not what he once was, he certainly is a guy that can do some of the dirty work for them down in those goal line and short-yardage situations,” Brooks said. “He would be a perfect fit in the Steel City.”
Steelers reporter Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan stated a couple weeks ago that the Steelers would at least have interest in talking to Nick Chubb, so this isn’t the first time he’s been linked to the team.
Other than his age and the injury history, my biggest hang-up is the fact that this 2025 NFL Draft class is stacked at the running back position. It would be almost irresponsible to not take advantage of how deep this class is, with the ability to land an impact player well into the fourth round.
With Jaylen Warren having an RFA tender placed on him and Gainwell reportedly set to sign with the team, the best option may be to look toward youth in the draft.
