The Miami Dolphins have begun their cap-cutting moves by releasing Bradley Chubb.
The Miami Dolphins entered Monday with a negative $16 million deficit on their current cap space, and now the team has moved forward with its first big cap-cutting move.
With new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan in place, he was set to make some tough calls, and the first has been made. The Dolphins are releasing veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported the news on X, stating:
"Sources: The #Dolphins and two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Bradley Chubb are parting ways, making the 29-year-old a free agent. In his two full seasons with the Dolphins (2023 & 2025), Chubb has 20 sacks, 8 FF, and 117 tackles. He should have a nice market."
Chubb's release will save the Dolphins around $7.3 million, with a dead cap hit of $23.8 million. The bigger aspect of the release is that there is no cap hit for 2027, and the team saves $31.5 million.
Chubb was traded to the Dolphins in November 2022, and he was awarded a five-year, $110 million extension with $63.2 million guaranteed. For the remainder of that season, he secured 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 12 quarterback hits.
Considering he only spent half the season in Miami, the 2023 season was far better up until the second-to-last game of the season.
Chubb was on a career year, bringing in 74 total tackles, 11 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits.
During Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 season, Chubb tore his ACL. The recovery from the injury led to him being shut down for the 2024 season as well.
Chubb bounced back in 2025, bringing in 8.5 sacks, 47 tackles, and 20 quarterback hits.
Chubb has 22 sacks over two and a half seasons with the Dolphins, and that should lead to him getting a solid deal elsewhere.
The pass rusher is only 29 years old, and despite the season-ending injury, he should see a big market. Some of the teams needing a pass rusher include the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and more.
The choice to release Chubb also points to the Dolphins essentially engaging in the rebuild they have sorely needed. Sullivan's first move should not be the last, and it will be interesting to see what other veterans are released in the coming days and weeks.
Losing Chubb is major, but a move that points to the Dolphins looking toward 2027 as a more competitive year.