The Miami Dolphins have officially released two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Bradley Chubb in a significant move aimed at managing their salary cap ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The announcement, made public by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on February 16, 2026, marks the end of Chubb's tenure with the Dolphins after a tumultuous and injury-hit period.
Chubb's release is a financially motivated decision designed to provide the Dolphins with approximately $7.3 million in salary cap relief for the upcoming league year. However, the move carries a notable cost: a dead cap hit estimated at $23.8 million. This underscores the complex financial balancing act teams face when unwinding large, multi-year contracts.
Bradley Chubb was acquired by Miami in a much-heralded mid-season trade in 2022 that involved sending a first-round draft pick to the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins complemented the trade by signing Chubb to a lucrative five-year, $110 million contract extension. This aggressive investment symbolized the franchise's commitment to building a dominant pass rush duo alongside fellow edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
Chubb's first full season with Miami in 2023 was encouraging, as he recorded a career-high 11 sacks and earned a Pro Bowl selection. His explosive power, refined technique, and relentless motor established him as a key playmaker within defensive coordinator Sean Duggan's scheme.
Unfortunately, his time in Miami was marred by injuries. Most significantly, Chubb suffered a major knee injury late in the 2024 season that sidelined him for the entirety of 2025 as he rehabilitated. This string of injuries limited his ability to impact the field, leaving the Dolphins with a high cap number but little on-field production.
For the 2026 season, Chubb's non-guaranteed base salary was set at $19.75 million. Faced with a steep price tag for a player coming off multiple lost seasons, the Dolphins determined that releasing Chubb was necessary to maneuver within their tight salary cap constraints. The $7.3 million in immediate savings will be crucial as Miami looks to retool its roster during free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.
The $23.8 million dead money charge stems primarily from the prorated portion of Chubb's $30 million signing bonus, all accelerated onto the 2026 cap due to his early release. This sizable dead cap hit is a painful but unavoidable consequence of early termination on a major contract.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins face pressing questions about their pass rush. While Jaelan Phillips remains a talented and critical element, Miami will rely heavily on developing younger players such as Cameron Goode, and potentially adding new depth through free agency and draft picks.
For Chubb, entering free agency at age 30, the path forward is uncertain. Teams will evaluate his extensive injury history while weighing his demonstrated pass-rushing prowess. A short-term, incentive-focused deal with a team valuing rotational edge rushers is likely, giving Chubb a chance to prove he can return to form.
This release serves as a cautionary tale on the risks of tying up premium salary cap resources in players with injury histories. Miami's gamble on Chubb brought flashes of brilliance but was ultimately undermined by health setbacks. The decision to move on reflects the brutal realities of NFL roster management and salary cap limitations.
Head Coach Jeff Hafley, Defensive Coordinator Sean Duggan, and General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan now face the challenge of replenishing the Dolphins' defensive front. The freed cap space, though offset by dead money, offers flexibility to address this key area.
As the Dolphins chart their course for the 2026 season, their defensive identity will evolve without Bradley Chubb. The former cornerstone's exit is a somber reminder that even Pro Bowl talent is subject to the unforgiving economics of modern pro football.
In summary, the Dolphins' release of Bradley Chubb is a pivotal offseason development. It closes one chapter on a star pass rusher's Miami career while opening another focused on fiscal prudence and roster construction as Miami builds toward sustained success.