The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a challenging position as they drop to a 1-5 record following their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. With the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 4, there is increasing speculation that the Dolphins may become sellers, with key players like pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips potentially on the move.
Bradley Chubb, a two-time Pro Bowler, has managed to stay healthy this season after suffering a significant knee injury that caused him to miss all of last year. Despite the Dolphins’ struggles, Chubb has managed to remain productive, leading the team with four sacks thus far. He has participated in all six games this season, averaging a 69.5% snap share on defense. However, his performance has drawn mixed reviews, ranking 95th among 110 qualifying EDGE players according to Pro Football Focus. Despite these rankings, Chubb’s track record has drawn the interest of teams in need of pass-rushing help.
Chubb was acquired from the Denver Broncos in a major trade last November and signed a lucrative five-year extension worth $110 million, locking him in through 2027. However, following a rework of his contract in March, Chubb’s cap hit of $12.33 million this season includes no guaranteed money beyond 2025, which could facilitate a potential trade.
On the other hand, Jaelan Phillips has been a fixture for the Dolphins since they drafted him 18th overall in 2021. Despite some injuries, including an Achilles tear that limited him last season, Phillips has returned to action this year, playing 69.5% of the defensive snaps but has only managed one sack in six games. His performance ranks him 52nd among EDGE qualifiers, yet teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles have been identified as potential suitors for the young defender.
With Miami seemingly poised to miss the playoffs for a third consecutive year, the future of general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel hangs in the balance. Speculation surrounds the duo’s long-term prospects, but unless a significant change occurs in the coming weeks, Grier will lead the charge into the trade deadline. He faces a critical decision regarding the potential trades of Chubb, Phillips, or both, with ramifications that could shape the team’s trajectory moving forward.
As the situation unfolds, the possibility of trading these talented defensives players may ultimately be a route for the Dolphins to recalibrate and rebuild for the future.