As the Carolina Panthers slowly begin to prepare for the offseason, the 2026 NFL free agency period will be a key time for general manager Dan Morgan to address some of the key needs before next season.

While the offense may have multiple holes heading into next season, the Panthers’ defense is still in desperate need of talented playmakers. One of the main positions that the organization will likely target is the defensive end, which could use a veteran playmaker to pair with 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton.

Luckily for Morgan, one option is now set to hit the free agency market and could be a valuable option on defense for the 2026 season.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Miami Dolphins have parted ways with former veteran defensive end Bradley Chubb on Monday morning.

Chubb, a former first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has put together a prolific NFL career. As a rookie with the Denver Broncos, the NC State standout recorded a career-high 12 sacks, along with 60 tackles in 16 games. Unfortunately for Chubb, the rest of his time in Denver would be derailed due to injuries, which prompted him to be traded to the Dolphins during the 2022 NFL season.

Throughout his past three seasons with the struggling franchise, Chubb has stayed healthy, outside of missing the entire 2024 season, which has led to him becoming a consistent pass rusher for Miami. Prior to his injury back in 2023, Chubb tallied 73 tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles, making him the key player on defense for the Dolphins’ postseason run.

Despite missing an entire season, the 29-year-old defensive end still managed to find success last year, finishing with 47 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.Now, with Chubb set to hit the free market this offseason, the Panthers could greatly use Chubb’s help on the defensive line in 2026.

Carolina was one of the worst teams in the NFL at getting after the quarterback, ending the regular season with 30 sacks. And while Scourton showed promise down the stretch, it’s obvious that Morgan must add another player in the trenches.

Depending on how much Chubb will command this offseason, signing the former highly touted pass rusher would be an ideal move for the Panthers. However, with roughly $14 million in cap space, the Panthers will have to see how much money Chubb commands in free agency.

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