Bradley Chubb Set to Hit Free Agency: Five Teams That Could Be in the Mix
Bradley Chubb's time in Miami is coming to a close. According to multiple reports, the Dolphins are preparing to release the veteran pass rusher, parting ways just two years after making a significant investment to bring him in.
Let’s rewind for a second. Miami traded a first-round pick, a fourth-rounder, and running back Chase Edmonds to Denver in 2022 to acquire Chubb and a fifth-round pick. It was a bold move - one that was immediately followed by a five-year, $110 million contract extension, signaling the Dolphins saw Chubb as a cornerstone piece of their defense through 2027.
But NFL economics don’t always align with long-term vision. Chubb was set to carry a $31.5 million cap hit in 2026, with an $18.5 million base salary. That’s a steep price tag, especially for a player whose production hasn’t quite matched the paycheck.
Now, at 29 years old (he turns 30 in June), Chubb will enter free agency looking for a fresh start - and there are several teams that could make sense as landing spots.
The Numbers Behind the Name
Chubb’s 2024 stat line - 8.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss - looks solid on the surface. But dig a little deeper, and the picture gets murkier.
His 8.5 sacks tied him for 20th in the NFL, but he ranked just 40th in pressures (48) and 68th in pressure rate (13.0%), per TruMedia. His pass-rush win rate, via Pro Football Focus, was just 11% - a mark that falls below the league average.
In other words, the sack total might be a bit of a mirage. Chubb still has value, no doubt.
But he’s no longer the game-wrecker he once flashed the potential to be. For teams with cap space and a need on the edge, though, he could be a worthwhile addition - especially if the price is right.
Here’s a look at five teams that could be logical fits.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have been searching for consistent edge production for a while now. They finished the 2025 season ranked just 23rd in pressure rate, and while rookie Laiatu Latu showed promise with 8.5 sacks, he needs help on the other side.
That’s where Chubb could come in.
Indianapolis has nearly $36 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, giving them flexibility to bring in a veteran pass rusher without hamstringing the rest of the roster. Chubb wouldn’t need to be the alpha - just a reliable complement who can win enough one-on-ones to keep opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina’s defense has talent, but the pass rush has been a glaring weakness. The Panthers finished 31st in pressure rate in 2025, ahead of only the Jets. That’s not going to cut it - especially in a division where getting after the quarterback can tilt games.
Cap space is tight in Carolina, so this would likely require a short-term, team-friendly deal. But if Chubb is open to a prove-it contract, the Panthers could be a sneaky-good fit. They desperately need someone who can bring some juice off the edge, and Chubb still has enough in the tank to be that guy in the right role.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys didn’t have a pressure problem in 2025 - they got after the quarterback just fine. The issue?
Depth. Dallas currently has only two edge rushers under contract for 2026: Donovan Ezeiruaku and James Houston.
That’s not going to be enough.
Chubb wouldn’t be brought in as a savior, but as a veteran presence to round out the rotation and provide stability. With other defensive needs on the roster, the Cowboys can’t afford to overspend here, but if Chubb’s market cools, this could be a smart, low-risk addition.
Chicago Bears
The Bears' defense made strides in 2025, but the pass rush was still a sore spot. Despite trading for Montez Sweat, Chicago ranked 29th in pressure rate. The rest of the edge group simply didn’t bring much to the table.
Chubb wouldn’t be a one-man fix, but he could be a valuable piece in a broader effort to revamp the front seven. Chicago has the cap space and the need - and if they’re serious about building a defense that can close out games, adding a veteran like Chubb makes sense.
Tennessee Titans
No team in the league has more cap flexibility than the Titans, who are sitting on over $100 million in space. That gives them options - and edge rusher is certainly an area of need.
Tennessee’s pass rush room is thin, and while they have plenty of holes to fill across the roster, bringing in a proven veteran like Chubb could be a smart way to stabilize one side of the ball. With the right supporting cast, he could still be a productive contributor.
Final Word
Bradley Chubb may no longer be the elite pass-rushing force teams dream about building around, but he’s far from washed. He’s a veteran with playoff experience, a solid motor, and enough burst to be disruptive in the right scheme.
The key will be fit - both in terms of role and salary. He’s not going to command top-tier edge money, but for teams looking to bolster their pass rush without breaking the bank, Chubb represents one of the more intriguing names on the market.
Now, it’s just a matter of where he lands.