The Miami Dolphins have made their clearest statement yet about the direction of the franchise in 2026: a full-scale reset is underway.
According to reports confirmed by league sources and reflected on the official NFL player profile page, the Miami Dolphins are releasing veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb as part of a broader roster reset.
A High-Profile Acquisition Comes to an End
Chubb’s Dolphins tenure began with high expectations. In 2022, Miami sent a first-round pick to the Denver Broncos to acquire him, then followed by signing him to a five-year, $110 million extension.
The early returns were real. In 2023, Chubb posted 11 sacks, delivering his second double-digit sack season. But the surge ended in Week 17 when he suffered a major right knee injury that included a torn ACL, meniscus, and patellar tendon.
He missed the entire 2024 season while rehabbing.
A Strong Return — But the Numbers Got Loud
Chubb returned in 2025, played all 17 games, and finished with a team-high 8.5 sacks. His 10.5% pressure rate was the third-highest of his career, but the underlying matchups were harsher: he was double-teamed on a career-high 23.1% of his rushes, contributing to a career-low 7.8% pass rush win rate.
He also turns 30 in June and has torn his ACL in both knees during his eight-year NFL career — a durability factor that matters when the cap math is unforgiving.
The Cap Math Behind the Decision
Chubb was set to carry a projected $31 million cap hit in 2026.
If released before June 1, Miami will take roughly $23.8 million in dead cap while saving about $7.3 million in 2026.
If designated as a post–June 1 release, that dead cap would be split across the next two seasons, and Miami’s 2026 savings could rise to roughly $20.2 million.
New Front Office, New Direction
This move is the first major roster decision under Sullivan, who was hired in January after arriving from the Green Bay Packers. It also leaves a clear hole at outside linebacker: the Dolphins still have 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson, but there is limited proven depth behind him.
Chubb’s release is widely expected to be just the start. The Dolphins still have massive cap decisions looming, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who together represent a projected $108 million cap hit in 2026.
What Chubb Leaves Behind
Drafted fifth overall by Denver in 2018, Chubb has 48 career sacks. In 2025, he served as a team captain and earned the local media’s “Good Guy” award for professionalism and availability.
The Bigger Picture for Miami
Releasing a player of Chubb’s caliber isn’t only about production — it’s about timeline and financial flexibility. Miami appears to be prioritizing youth, cap space, and long-term roster construction over carrying premium contracts tied to aging players with extensive injury histories.
One thing is clear: this wasn’t just a transaction. It was a statement.
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