Clearing $7.3M in Cap Space for 2026 Offseason

The Miami Dolphins are releasing veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb, a move first reported Monday that ends his four-year tenure with the franchise and clears significant salary cap space ahead of the 2026 league year.

The decision, confirmed by multiple sources including NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and ESPN, comes as no surprise given Chubb’s looming $31.2 million cap hit for 2026 following a contract restructure last offseason. An immediate release saves the Dolphins approximately $7.3 million against the cap in 2026 while incurring about $23.9 million in dead money, per league salary cap figures. Designating the transaction as post-June 1 would increase savings to around $20.2 million this year, spreading the dead cap hit across 2026 and 2027.

Chubb, 29, becomes a free agent entering his age-30 season after recording 22 sacks in three active years with Miami. The Dolphins acquired him from the Denver Broncos midway through the 2022 season in a blockbuster trade that sent multiple draft picks to Denver. He signed a lucrative extension shortly after, but injuries and cap constraints limited his long-term impact in South Florida.

In 2025, Chubb bounced back strongly from a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2024 campaign. He started all 17 games, leading the team with 8.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, 47 tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. His performance earned praise as a relentless pressure generator on the defensive front, and he served as a team captain and vocal leader in the locker room.

Overall with Miami, Chubb amassed 22 sacks, showcasing the disruptive ability that made him a two-time Pro Bowler earlier in his career. He totaled 48 sacks across 90 career games (89 starts) between Denver (2018-22) and Miami, along with 112 quarterback hits, 303 tackles, 15 forced fumbles and one interception.

The release reflects broader roster and financial challenges for the Dolphins as they navigate the offseason. Miami entered the period over the projected 2026 salary cap, and parting ways with high-priced veterans has become a priority. The move follows speculation about other key players’ futures, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose status remains uncertain after a challenging 2025 season.

Chubb’s departure opens opportunities for younger or more cost-effective pass rushers to step up. Miami’s defensive line, once bolstered by Chubb’s presence opposite talents like Jaelan Phillips, now faces a rebuild in the edge department. Analysts point to the need for draft investments or free-agent additions to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

For Chubb, the open market presents fresh possibilities. Coming off a solid 8.5-sack season and with a proven track record as a high-motor edge defender, he should attract interest from teams seeking veteran production. Potential landing spots include squads with cap flexibility and needs at outside linebacker or defensive end, though his age and recent injury history may influence contract terms toward shorter deals or incentive-laden structures.

The timing of the release—early in the offseason cycle—signals Miami’s intent to reshape the roster aggressively. Front-office decisions will focus on balancing cap relief with competitive viability, especially after a 2025 campaign that fell short of expectations despite flashes of potential.

Chubb’s time in Miami began with high hopes following the 2022 trade. He delivered in spurts, including a standout 2023 season with 11 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles, but the ACL tear in 2024 disrupted momentum. His 2025 return demonstrated resilience, earning him recognition as a “media good guy” and consistent voice through ups and downs.

As Chubb prepares for his next chapter, the Dolphins turn attention to free agency and the draft. The franchise’s new leadership faces tough calls on inherited contracts, with Chubb’s exit marking an early but pivotal step toward financial flexibility.

This transaction underscores the NFL’s harsh salary cap realities, where even productive veterans can become casualties when numbers don’t align. Chubb leaves Miami with contributions that included leadership and sacks, but the cap-driven parting allows both sides to move forward.