Key Highlights
- Dolphins release 2-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Bradley Chubb after four seasons.
- Chubb signed a $110 million extension in 2022 but took a pay cut for this season.
- The decision comes as the Dolphins face significant roster changes during the offseason.
- Dolphins will take on a dead cap hit of $23,859,242 for the 2026 season due to Chubb’s release.
Bradley Chubb: The Pro Bowl Legacy
The Miami Dolphins are making headlines as they part ways with their two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, Bradley Chubb. The decision to release Chubb after four seasons is a significant move for the team as they navigate an offseason full of change.
Chubb’s Impact and Contract
Bradley Chubb joined the Dolphins in 2022 via trade from the Denver Broncos, coming with a hefty price tag that included a first-round pick. The 29-year-old quickly made his presence felt on the field, recording impressive statistics despite missing all of 2024 due to injury.
Chubb signed a lucrative $110 million extension in 2022 but took a pay cut this season to help set up the roster move. Despite the pay cut, he still put up 8.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 17 games in 2025.
A Season of Injuries and Pay Cuts
Chubb’s impact was undeniable, but his absence in 2024 due to injury left the Dolphins with a void. The decision to release him now is strategic; it allows them to spread out the financial burden over two seasons instead of taking on a massive dead cap hit this year.
The move also sets Chubb up for a chance at a fresh start, as many teams will be interested in his experience and skill set. For the Dolphins, it’s a calculated risk that could help their defense in future years.
Offseason Changes and Future Uncertainty
This decision comes amidst uncertainty surrounding Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the team and Tyreek Hill’s uncertain situation as well. The Dolphins are undergoing significant changes, and releasing Chubb is part of that broader strategy.
The dead cap hit for 2026 will be $23,859,242, but the savings in 2027 will be just $7,343,500. The Dolphins could have spread out the financial impact to mitigate this year’s hit, but they chose to take it all at once.
The move reflects a common strategy in professional sports: trading short-term pain for long-term gain. Whether it pays off remains to be seen as the Dolphins look ahead to their 2026 season and beyond.
