It’s a new year, and Cleveland Browns fans are getting ready to dig in again for another season at the Dawg Pound. Last year didn’t go so well, as Cleveland lost first two games before it managed to win its first. Ultimately, the team finished with a 5-12 record, leading to head coach Kevin Stefanski’s dismissal.
But Browns fans can tell you it wasn’t all bad for Cleveland. After all, they learned a lot about themselves, which included several breakout campaigns from their excellent draft class. Yet, some still think the roster needs more help.
Browns Rumors Can’t Quit Nick Chubb
One area where the Browns identified a new standout performer and a new cornerstone of the offense is at running back. Quinshon Judkins had an excellent debut season, rushing for 827 yards and 7 touchdowns while hauling in 26 receptions for 171 receiving yards too.
Overall, Judkins showed he’s fully capable of being the team’s new starting running back. But some would still like to see the Browns reunite with four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb.
However, Cleveland.com’s Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot recently appeared on the “Orange and Brown Talk” podcast and poured cold water on those Chubb rumors, indicating that the team is embracing the youth movement instead. The 30-year-old Chubb played 15 games for the first time since 2022, his last Pro Bowl season, but he only produced 506 yards and 3 touchdowns in Houston.
“I don’t really see them bringing back Nick Chubb,” Cabot said. “This is such a young football team. They just have a different feel, a different vibe. We know that Judkins is, of course, their workhorse back.”
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While Cabot didn’t lend much credence to Chubb returning to the RB room in the group’s current state, she didn’t rule it out entirely.
“We cannot rule it out,” she said. “But I don’t think it’s front burner as we are here in this break.”
It’s possible the Browns change their tune if Judkins were forced to miss time. But as is, the front office seems pretty content with a backfield led by Judkins, 2025 fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson, and former undrafted free agent Raheim “Rocket” Sanders.
Sampson had 65 carries for 175 yards as a rookie last season (plus 33 receptions for 271 yards), and Sanders ranked third on the team with 27 carries, totaling 92 yards and a touchdown.
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Yet, if the Browns do want a different or potentially improved backup running back, Chubb might be able to come through. According to Pro Football Network’s RB Impact Score, Chubb slightly outranked Sampson last season, 69.5 to 69.1.
Though it’s important to note that Sampson crushed Chubb in the receiving EPA category, 6.9 for Sampson, compared to -2.4 for Chubb, which is why the former is an ideal solution to spell Judkins, who isn’t as apt at catching passes out of the backfield.
Sampson is also roughly nine years younger and is likely to keep improving, whereas Chubb might not get any better from here.
Meanwhile, Chubb continues to wait for another opportunity as he eyes playing a ninth season in the NFL. Being a negative asset in pass-catching opportunities surely isn’t helping Chubb’s market. Barring an injury, he likely won’t get another chance to start, so perhaps holding out hope for a top backup role is his best path back to an NFL roster.
Yet, it appears the Browns have already moved on with Judkins and Sampson, and the analytics back up that decision thus far.