The Buffalo Bills have been relatively quiet in the 2026 NFL free agency, but one move is raising eyebrows among fans. While they've been busy with smaller transactions like re-signing a punter and adjusting their backup quarterback situation, the signing of edge rusher Bradley Chubb stands out-and not necessarily for the right reasons.
General Manager Brandon Beane has a knack for two things: signing players who have performed well against the Bills and bringing in aging, injury-prone pass rushers. This year, he added Chubb to the roster with a three-year, $43.5 million contract, including $29 million guaranteed.
It's the sixth-largest deal for an edge rusher this offseason, which, on paper, might seem reasonable. Chubb is a seasoned pass rusher with a history of success-when healthy.
However, Bills fans have seen this pattern before. In 2022, Beane signed Von Miller, then 33, to a six-year, $120 million deal.
Miller's time in Buffalo was marred by injuries, limiting him to 36 games over three seasons with a modest total of 14 sacks. For context, Miller averaged 11 sacks annually during his time with the Denver Broncos.
Then there was Joey Bosa, signed ahead of the 2025 season on a one-year deal. Bosa, also 30, managed just 5 sacks and appeared hampered by injuries as the season progressed, failing to make a significant impact in the playoffs.
Both Miller and Bosa had standout performances against the Bills before joining them. Miller recorded a sack and multiple tackles for loss, while Bosa had a monster game with three sacks and several QB hits.
Now, Beane is continuing this trend with Chubb. At nearly 30, Chubb fits the profile: he had a notable game against Buffalo last season with 2 sacks and several QB hits.
But his history of injuries is concerning. Chubb has battled through three torn ACLs and has only completed two full seasons since his rookie year.
Despite his potential, he's only surpassed 8 sacks in a season twice.
Beane often cites Josh Allen's hefty contract as a reason for not playing at the top of the free agency market. Yet, other teams with high-paid quarterbacks, like the Baltimore Ravens, have managed to secure top-tier free agents. This year, the Ravens signed Trey Hendrickson, the priciest pass rusher available, despite Lamar Jackson's $52 million annual salary.
The real issue isn't Allen's contract but rather deals like Chubb's. The Bills are carrying dead cap money from previous failed signings like Bosa and others, totaling around $14 million. Combined with Chubb's contract, that's $28 million-exactly what the Ravens paid for Hendrickson.
In essence, the Bills' decision to sign Bradley Chubb is a continuation of a pattern that hasn't served them well. It's a familiar scenario for the Bills Mafia, and one that leaves fans questioning if history is set to repeat itself.