The Cleveland Browns will look very different in the 2025 NFL season. Recently, the team decided not to retain star running back Nick Chubb, whose move to the Houston Texans has had a big emotional impact on Myles Garrett.
Back in 2017, the Browns made a franchise-altering decision by drafting Myles Garrett with the No. 1 overall pick. Since then, he’s become one of the league’s most dominant defensive players and a cornerstone of Cleveland’s rebuild.
A year later, in an effort to strengthen the offense, the Browns selected Nick Chubb. While he was once one of the top offensive weapons in the league, his path didn’t mirror Garrett’s in the long run.
Myles Garrett sends emotional farewell message to Nick Chubb
Not long ago, the Browns were considered one of the most promising teams in the league. After years of disappointment, they built a competitive roster that brought hope to the fanbase.
On defense, Myles Garrett quickly emerged as the leader. Today, he’s widely viewed as one of the best defensive players in the NFL—a relentless force for any opposing quarterback.
On offense, Nick Chubb established himself as one of the league’s top running backs. However, a devastating knee injury in 2023 changed everything for him.
Following his recovery, the Browns opted not to offer Chubb a new deal due to concerns over performance and durability. As a result, he has joined the Houston Texans for the 2025 season. After his departure, Garrett took to social media to send a heartfelt farewell message to his longtime teammate and friend.
“I love Nick. I think a lot of the guys who are in this locker room still feel the same way as I do,” Garrett said. “It crushed us to see him get injured and have to battle through, and then it happened again. So, we want the very best for him. Happy to see him still able to play, still able to do his thing. Want to see him go back to being the player that he was and have a smile on his face, continue to ball out.”
What is Nick Chubb’s contract with the Texans?
In 2025, C.J. Stroud will have a new partner in the Texans’ backfield. After Cleveland declined to re-sign him, Nick Chubb officially joined Houston, giving him a chance to restart his career in a new environment.
Chubb’s market value has clearly declined following his injury. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Texans, and his future with the team will likely depend on how he performs this season.