MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins are undergoing a significant roster overhaul, beginning with the release of two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Bradley Chubb, the team confirmed on . The move, signaling a clear shift towards a franchise rebuild, frees up $7.3 million in cap space for 2026, though it also carries $23.9 million in dead money.
Chubb arrived in Miami in via a trade with the Denver Broncos, immediately signing a five-year, $110 million extension. While he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, including a team-high 8.5 sacks in after missing the entire season with a torn ACL, the Dolphins ultimately determined the financial commitment outweighed his on-field production and future outlook.
The decision comes less than a year after Chubb suffered a significant knee injury in Week 17 of , a tear that included his ACL, meniscus, and patellar tendon. Despite returning to play all 17 games in , his performance was impacted. While his pressure rate of 10.5% was the third-highest of his career, he was double-teamed on a career-high 23.1% of his pass rushes, resulting in a career-low pass rush win rate of 7.8%.
The release of Chubb is part of a larger restructuring effort initiated by new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Hours after the announcement regarding Chubb, the Dolphins also released wide receiver Tyreek Hill, offensive lineman James Daniels, and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, clearing over $56 million in cap space for . The moves represent a dramatic departure from the team’s recent strategy of aggressive spending to build a championship contender.
Chubb’s time in Miami was marked by both promise and frustration. He posted double-digit sack totals in both (11 sacks) and prior to his injury in , earning recognition as a team captain and receiving the local media’s “Good Guy” award for his consistent professionalism. However, the recurring knee injuries, coupled with a substantial $31 million cap hit for , ultimately led to this difficult decision.
The Dolphins originally acquired Chubb with high expectations, sending a first-round draft pick to Denver in the trade. The five-year extension signaled a long-term commitment, but the subsequent injury and cap implications forced a reassessment. The team now faces the challenge of filling the void left by Chubb’s departure, particularly in their pass-rushing attack.
The release of Chubb, along with Hill, Daniels, and Westbrook-Ikhine, underscores the significant changes underway in Miami. The Dolphins, after making the playoffs in and , are now clearly focused on rebuilding and creating financial flexibility for the future. The moves suggest a willingness to prioritize long-term sustainability over immediate contention.
Chubb, who will turn 30 in June, now enters free agency as a potentially attractive option for teams seeking a veteran pass rusher. Despite his injury history, his proven ability to generate pressure and his professionalism should draw interest from several clubs. He has amassed 48 career sacks across eight NFL seasons.
The Dolphins’ decision to move on from Chubb is a stark illustration of the challenges facing NFL teams in managing the salary cap and balancing short-term success with long-term financial health. The team’s new leadership clearly believes that a rebuild is the most prudent course of action, even if it means sacrificing established players and immediate competitiveness.
The dismantling of the Dolphins’ recent roster also raises questions about the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Reports suggest the team may explore trading or releasing Tagovailoa, further signaling a complete reset. The coming months will be critical for Miami as they navigate this new chapter and attempt to build a sustainable contender.
