Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or James Cook

Monday, June 9, 6:53 PM

The Houston Texans officially signed free-agent running back Nick Chubb to a one-year, $2.5 million deal on Monday that could be worth up to $5 million, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Chubb passed a physical after a gruesome left-knee injury in 2023 that required multiple surgeries. The former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler was one of the most powerful backs in the league before his injury, as he went for a career-high 1,525 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 302 carries in 2022. He managed to play in just eight games last year, though, and wasn't the same, averaging a career-low 3.3 yards per carry with 332 rushing yards and three scores on 102 rushing attempts. Chubb also fractured his left foot in Week 15 last year, so he may never be the same explosive back he once was. Now in Houston, he'll be competing with Dameon Pierce for RB2 duties behind starter Joe Mixon.

Saturday, June 14, 11:05 AM

ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg writes that Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, despite seeking a contract extension, was a full participant in the team's three-day mandatory minicamp this week. General manager Brandon Beane said the "relationship's very good and I know [Cook's] going to be ready to roll when we get to [training camp in] Rochester." Cook said earlier this week that he plans to be at training camp this summer, but he didn't specify if he'd actually be taking part in workouts. Beane said Cook "looks good out there. You can tell he's been working." It sounds like the two sides are working towards a deal, but Cook could hold in during training camp. Cook was the RB8 in half-PPR scoring in 2024 with his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season and a league-high 16 rushing TDs. Regression is coming in the TD department after he scored four rushing touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons.