Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford is one of the more popular names on the trade block, and a new team may be fighting for his services. A former fifth-round pick, Ford spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons filling in for an injured Nick Chubb and proved himself to be an NFL-caliber player. However, he’s entering the final year of his contract, and the breakout performance of second-round pick Quinshon Judkins combined with the presence of fellow rookie Dylan Sampson makes him expendable. The Browns do not stand a realistic shot at the playoffs and should be willing to trade Ford for whatever they can get.
While teams like the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers are actively looking for running backs on the trade market, the Houston Texans are reportedly interested in the position as well. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Houston wants to add another running back in the coming weeks as it struggles to salvage their season.
Texans Joining Patriots, Chargers In Jerome Ford Trade Talks
Despite their 2-4 record, the Houston Texans apparently have no plans to throw in the towel on the 2025 season. Quarterback C.J. Stroud is in the midst of the worst season of his young career, but the former second-overall pick has the talent to turn it around. In the meantime, however, Houston must do something to improve their running game.
With Joe Mixon possibly missing the entire season, Houston has relied on veteran Nick Chubb and rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks. Chubb has played well as the team’s starting back, but he’s clearly lost a step and never recaptured his pre-injury form. Woody Marks, meanwhile, is struggling to make anything happen behind Houston’s subpar offensive line, as he’s recorded just 152 yards and one touchdown on 46 attempts.
Given their current record, it doesn’t make sense for the Texans to give up big draft capital for someone like Breece Hall. However, they should be willing to trade a conditional late-round pick for Jerome Ford. Ford is no superstar, but he was better than Chubb last year and could thrive in a new environment, and playing for a better quarterback. Of course, the Texans aren’t the only team that should be interested in him.
Other Fits
The New England Patriots enter Week 8 with a 5-2 record despite having arguably the NFL’s worst running back room. Rhamondre Stevenson cannot stop fumbling, and second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson cannot earn the trust of the coaching staff. While it’s too early to give up on Henderson long-term, the Patriots must find someone who can lead the backfield in 2025. The Patriots could make a splash move for Hall, but Jerome Ford could be a lot cheaper and allow this team to trade for a star edge defender or wide receiver.
The Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, could use some more depth in their backfield. Kimani Vidal has done a remarkable job filling in for Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton, but the team should look for an upgrade. Hampton will return to the field before long, so perhaps the Chargers should trade for a rotational player like Jerome Ford.
Main Photo: Barry Reeger – Imagn Images
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