The Miami Dolphins are preparing to part ways with veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb, according to multiple league sources. This move marks the end of a relatively brief but expensive chapter for the franchise, which invested significant draft capital and financial resources to acquire the former first-round pick just three years ago.
Miami originally swung a blockbuster trade for Chubb at the 2022 deadline, sending a first-round selection, a fourth-round pick, and running back Chase Edmonds to the Denver Broncos. In return, the Dolphins received Chubb and a fifth-round draft choice. The transaction signaled Miami's belief that Chubb could be a foundational piece of their defense for years to come. That commitment was solidified when the two sides agreed to a massive five-year, $110 million contract extension, a deal that was supposed to keep him in South Florida through the 2027 season.
However, the business side of the NFL has intervened. Chubb was scheduled to earn a base salary of $18.5 million in 2026, with his contract carrying a staggering $31.5 million cap hit. Those figures proved untenable for the Dolphins, who decided to release him rather than absorb that financial burden. The decision will save Miami considerable cap space but also represents an admission that the investment didn't yield the expected returns.
At 29 years old (he'll turn 30 in June), Chubb now enters the free agent market searching for his third NFL home. While his name recognition and Pro Bowl pedigree will generate interest, a closer examination of his recent production reveals a more nuanced picture of his current abilities.
Evaluating Chubb's 2024 Performance
On the surface, Chubb's 2024 stat line appears respectable. He recorded 8.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss while playing a full season. That sack total tied him for 20th league-wide, suggesting he remains an above-average pass rusher. But digging deeper into the advanced metrics tells a different story.
According to TruMedia data, Chubb generated just 48 total pressures last season, tying him for 40th among NFL edge defenders. His pressure rate of 13.0% ranked 68th, placing him in the bottom half of starting pass rushers. Perhaps most concerning, Pro Football Focus calculated his pass-rush win rate at only 11%, which falls well below the league average. These numbers indicate that while Chubb can still finish plays when opportunities arise, he's not consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks at the level his salary demands.
The discrepancy between his sack total and underlying metrics suggests some good fortune in converting pressures into sacks. While he clearly has something left in the tank, teams will need to calibrate their expectations and contract offers accordingly. He's no longer the dominant force who earned a top-five draft selection in 2018, but he can still contribute as a starter or high-end rotational piece.
Indianapolis Colts: A Natural Fit
The Colts have been searching for consistent edge rush production for several seasons. Their defense ranked just 23rd in pressure rate during the 2025 campaign, leaving them desperate for reinforcements. Indianapolis does have a promising young talent in Laiatu Latu, who also posted 8.5 sacks as a rookie, but they lack a proven veteran to line up opposite him.
General manager Chris Ballard has built a roster with nearly $36 million in available cap space, giving him flexibility to pursue upgrades. Adding Chubb would provide immediate experience and allow Latu to develop without facing constant double-teams. The Colts' defensive scheme emphasizes aggressive fronts, which could maximize Chubb's remaining burst. With ample financial resources and a clear need, Indianapolis represents one of the most logical destinations.
Carolina Panthers: Desperate for Juice
Few teams need pass-rush help more desperately than the Panthers. Carolina finished 31st in pressure rate during the 2025 regular season, with only the New York Jets generating less consistent disruption. The Panthers' defense has solid pieces in the secondary and at linebacker, but the front four lacks explosiveness.
Financially, Carolina faces constraints this offseason, which complicates any pursuit of Chubb. However, if he's willing to accept a shorter-term, incentive-laden contract, the match makes sense. Head coach Dave Canales needs veterans who can set a tone and provide production while the team continues its rebuild. Chubb wouldn't fix all of Carolina's problems, but he'd immediately become their most accomplished edge defender and could mentor younger players. For a franchise starving for positive momentum, this signing could send a message that they're serious about competitiveness.
Dallas Cowboys: Depth Concerns
Dallas presents an interesting case. The Cowboys actually generated pressure at a solid rate in 2025, but their depth chart is alarmingly thin. Beyond emerging star Donovan Ezeiruaku and rotational piece James Houston, the Cowboys have no other edge rushers under contract for 2026. They need to add multiple bodies just to field a competent rotation.
The challenge for Dallas is balancing resources. They have significant needs across the defense, particularly in the secondary and at defensive tackle. Signing Chubb to a modest deal would make sense as a way to stabilize the position while they address other areas through the draft and free agency. However, if his market unexpectedly heats up, the Cowboys would be wise to bow out rather than overextend their budget on a declining player. The fit is there, but only at the right price.
Chicago Bears: Complementing Sweat
The Bears thought they solved their pass-rush issues when they acquired Montez Sweat midseason in 2023, but the rest of the edge rotation has failed to produce. Chicago ranked 29th in pressure rate despite Sweat's presence, as opposing offenses could focus their protection schemes on him without fear of consequences from the other side.
Chubb wouldn't single-handedly transform this unit, but as part of a broader overhaul, he makes sense. General manager Ryan Poles has shown willingness to take calculated risks on veterans, and the Bears have enough cap flexibility to make a competitive offer. Pairing Chubb with Sweat would give Chicago two established edge defenders, allowing them to use early draft picks on other positions. The key is ensuring they don't view him as a cure-all rather than a complementary piece.
Tennessee Titans: Cap Space Kings
No team enters the offseason with more financial ammunition than the Titans. With over $100 million in cap space according to Over the Cap, Tennessee can essentially sign anyone they target. They have needs virtually everywhere, including along the defensive line.
While the Titans aren't typically mentioned among the top contenders for high-profile free agents, their resources make them a wild card. Head coach Brian Callahan is building a new culture in Nashville, and adding a veteran like Chubb could accelerate that process. The question is whether Tennessee wants to allocate significant money to a 30-year-old pass rusher when they have so many other holes to fill. If Chubb's market proves softer than anticipated, the Titans could swoop in with a strong offer and make him a cornerstone of their defensive rebuild.
Market Outlook
Chubb's free agency will be fascinating to watch. His name value and sack total suggest he should command meaningful interest, but the underlying metrics and age concerns will give teams pause. Most likely, he'll sign a two- or three-year deal with limited guarantees, essentially a "prove it" contract for a veteran.
The teams mentioned above all offer different advantages: the Colts provide the clearest path to playing time and a playoff-caliber roster; the Panthers offer a chance to be the featured pass rusher; the Cowboys provide contention potential; the Bears offer a strong complementary role; and the Titans offer the biggest paycheck.
Ultimately, Chubb's next destination will depend on how he and his agents value these factors. Does he prioritize winning, money, or role? The answer will determine where this once-elite pass rusher continues his career.