The Miami Dolphins are preparing for a transformative offseason as they face critical decisions regarding the futures of key players. Chief among these is the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. However, another significant move is on the horizon related to the defensive lineup, specifically concerning Pro Bowl pass rusher Bradley Chubb.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz has reported that the Dolphins have decided to part ways with Chubb, making him a free agent after four seasons with the team. Chubb joined the Dolphins midway through the 2022 season following a trade with the Denver Broncos that involved a first-round and a fourth-round draft pick. Since then, his contributions have been notable, including his impressive performance in the 2023 season where he recorded 11 sacks and led the NFL with six forced fumbles.
Despite his potential, Chubb’s journey has been marred by injuries, as he missed the entire 2024 season. In 2025, after restructuring his contract, he managed to achieve 8.5 sacks in 17 games. With his release now confirmed, he will enter free agency, and it is expected that other teams will likely pursue him for his pass-rushing capabilities.
Releasing Chubb will result in a dead cap hit of approximately $23.9 million for the Dolphins, while they will save about $7.3 million. Although the organization could have opted to distribute this financial impact over the next two seasons, they have chosen to absorb the full hit in 2026.
Chubb had signed a lucrative $110 million extension back in 2022, but in a bid to facilitate roster adjustments, he accepted a significant pay cut of $9.23 million earlier this offseason. His departure has been on the management’s radar for some time as part of a broader strategy to reshape the team’s structure.
As the Dolphins gear up for a critical period of change, fans will be watching closely to see how management navigates these pivotal decisions, aiming for a more competitive lineup in the upcoming seasons. The organization remains hopeful that these strategic moves will ultimately enhance their performance on the field.