Clock is ticking on Bears' post-draft rumor following Browns latest roster move

Nick Chubb has been at the center of Chicago Bears rumors for much of the past week.

After the Cleveland Browns drafted two running backs last weekend, the consensus has been that Chubb would not be returning to the Browns. There continues to be messaging originating from Cleveland that the Bears are making a push to sign Chubb.

"The Browns want to bring Nick Chubb back. They are trying hard to bring Nick back. I know this. The Bears are very serious about bringing him in and are trying to make this push," Ken Carman told 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland.

Chubb's path toward returning to the Browns may have just gotten more complicated. On Friday, the Browns restructured the contract of running back Jerome Ford. Previously set to earn just under $3.5MM with the Browns next season, there was a sense that the team may look to trade Ford and bring back Chubb if the two sides could not come to terms on a restructured contract. Ford will now carry a salary of $1.75MM next season. The move all but confirms that Chubb won't be returning to Cleveland.

Nick Chubb's path to the Bears just got a whole lot better

The question now becomes how serious the Bears are about adding a veteran running back. If Ryan Poles is to be believed, the Bears are comfortable with their current running back room. In particular, Poles does have high expectations for Roschon Johsnon in 2025.

There's also the chance that Chubb may not be the running back the Bears have in mind if they were to add a running back. J.K. Dobbins is also a free agent, and like Chubb, there is the belief that he will not be returning to his 2024 team. Dobbins is younger than Chubb, and if the Bears are looking for a higher upside, the former Los Angeles Chargers running back would likely be the direction they go in.