Chiefs Snag Ex-Browns Star to Unleash Dynamic Backfield Duo with Pacheco

Kansas City, MO – April 27, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs ignited their offseason Sunday, agreeing to sign former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb to a one-year, $5 million deal, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move, following a robust 2025 NFL Draft, aims to bolster Kansas City’s backfield alongside Isiah Pacheco after a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Chubb, 29, rushed for 332 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, hampered by a broken foot and recovery from a 2023 ACL/MCL tear (NFL.com). The Browns, after drafting Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, opted not to re-sign Chubb, leaving the four-time Pro Bowler to seek a new home. “Nick’s a proven grinder,” Chiefs GM Brett Veach told reporters, eyeing Chubb’s 6,511 career rushing yards to complement Pacheco’s 935 yards in 2024.

With $12.7 million in cap space, Kansas City absorbs Chubb’s $5 million cap hit, a bargain for his pedigree (Spotrac). Pacheco, entering a contract year after a broken leg sidelined him for 10 games, forms a dynamic duo with Chubb, whose physicality (PFF grade 82.3) can wear down defenses. “This backfield’s built for balance,” coach Andy Reid said.

The Chiefs, who drafted Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, and Nohl Williams, needed run-game stability after ranking 28th with 1,392 rushing yards in 2024. Chubb’s signing, alongside Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, diversifies an offense reliant on Patrick Mahomes’ 4,803 passing yards (‽web:12). “We’re ready to dominate,” Chubb told reporters, fueled by a chip on his shoulder.

Cleveland’s shift to Judkins and Jerome Ford signals a youth movement, per The Athletic. With three remaining draft picks, including No. 133, Kansas City eyes wide receiver depth to replace DeAndre Hopkins. Chubb’s arrival fortifies the Chiefs’ ground attack, positioning Mahomes for a 2025 Super Bowl redemption.