Could Bradley Chubb Be the Answer for the Panthers’ Pass Rush?
The Carolina Panthers have plenty of questions to answer this offseason, and while most of the attention will (rightfully) be on fixing an offense that struggled mightily in 2025, the defense has its own set of needs-especially when it comes to getting after the quarterback.
One area that stands out? The edge.
Outside of rookie Nic Scourton, who flashed real potential late in the season, Carolina lacked consistent pressure off the edge. That’s where a name like Bradley Chubb becomes intriguing.
The Miami Dolphins officially released Chubb, a former first-round pick, opening the door for teams in need of veteran pass-rushing help. And make no mistake-despite some injury setbacks, Chubb still has plenty left in the tank.
A Look at Chubb’s Resume
Chubb burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2018 with the Denver Broncos, racking up 12 sacks and 60 tackles in a full 16-game slate. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, especially from a top-five pick out of NC State.
But injuries took a toll over the next few seasons, limiting his availability and consistency. Denver eventually shipped him to Miami during the 2022 season.
Since arriving in South Florida, Chubb has mostly stayed healthy-outside of a lost 2024 season-and he’s reestablished himself as a reliable force on the edge. In 2023, he posted 73 tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles, playing a key role in the Dolphins’ playoff push.
And even after missing a full year, he bounced back in 2025 with 47 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. That kind of production is hard to ignore-especially for a team like Carolina that finished near the bottom of the league in sacks.
Why the Fit Makes Sense for Carolina
The Panthers finished the 2025 season with just 30 sacks, one of the lowest totals in the NFL. That’s not going to cut it in a league where disrupting the quarterback is essential to winning games.
While Scourton showed flashes of why he was taken in the second round, relying solely on a young player to carry the pass rush would be a mistake. Pairing him with a proven veteran like Chubb could accelerate his development and immediately raise the ceiling of the defensive front.
New general manager Dan Morgan knows the value of having a disruptive presence off the edge. Chubb brings not just production, but leadership and experience-traits that could help set the tone for a young defense still trying to find its identity.
The Cap Question
Of course, it all comes down to the numbers. The Panthers are working with roughly $14 million in cap space, so any move for Chubb would need to be financially strategic. But if the price is right-and if Chubb is looking for a fresh start on a team that can offer him a prominent role-this could be one of the smarter signings of the offseason.
There’s always risk when signing a player with an injury history, but Chubb has shown he can bounce back. And with Carolina desperate for help in the trenches, this feels like a move worth exploring.
Bottom line: If the Panthers want to take a step forward in 2026, they’ll need more firepower up front. Bradley Chubb could be just the kind of veteran presence to help spark that turnaround.