The Miami Dolphins have been busy this offseason, making some bold and unexpected moves. Among the most significant decisions were the releases of Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa, which have added a hefty $100 million in dead cap space to Miami's books. But the surprises didn’t stop there.
In a puzzling move, the Dolphins traded Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets and released Bradley Chubb, a decision that could haunt them. While financial constraints left Miami with little choice but to cut Chubb, it's a move that may have lasting repercussions.
Why the Dolphins Might Regret Cutting Bradley Chubb
Bradley Chubb's release is particularly perplexing. Unlike Tyreek Hill, who is sidelined with a torn ACL, Chubb was a vital part of Miami's defense.
New head coach Jeff Hafley now faces the challenge of building a formidable pass rush without one of his key players. To add salt to the wound, Chubb quickly inked a deal with the division rival Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins were cornered into making tough decisions due to Tagovailoa's $99.2 million dead cap hit, spread over the next two seasons. Even though cutting Chubb seemed inevitable, the impact on the team could be significant.
Chubb was a standout performer last season, racking up 8.5 sacks, 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback hits over 17 games. With Jaelan Phillips now with the Philadelphia Eagles and Chubb gone, the Dolphins are left relying heavily on Chop Robinson for pass-rushing duties.
The need to strengthen their pass rush is glaring, and it’s not their only concern. The Dolphins face challenges across the board, including quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, tight end, and cornerback positions. Not getting any assets in return for Chubb only compounds the problem.
Chubb's move to the Bills on a three-year, $52.5 million max-value contract makes Miami's decision even more questionable. While the release was driven by financial necessity, the Dolphins might find themselves regretting this move as they navigate a potentially tough 2026 season. Chubb's departure is a stark reminder of the challenges Miami faces as they rebuild and regroup.