MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins are releasing linebacker Bradley Chubb, a source confirmed to ESPN, signifying a major step toward a franchise rebuild.
The Dolphins sent a first-round pick to the Denver Broncos in 2022 in exchange for Chubb and immediately signed him to a five-year, $110 million extension. He posted his second double-digit-sack season with 11 in 2023 but suffered a significant injury in his right knee in Week 17, which included a torn ACL, meniscus and patellar tendon.
Chubb missed the entire 2024 season but returned with a team-high 8.5 sacks in 2025, playing all 17 games. He was a team captain and won the local media’s “Good Guy” award for his consistent availability and professionalism with the press.
Although his 10.5% pressure rate in 2025 was the third highest of his career, he was double-teamed on a career-high 23.1% of his pass rushes, which contributed to his career-low 7.8% pass rush win rate. He also represented a $31 million cap hit in 2026, turns 30 years old in June and has torn his ACL in both knees during his eight-year NFL career.
Releasing Chubb before June 1 will cost the Dolphins roughly $23.8 million in dead cap while saving them $7.3 million in 2026. If he is designated as a post-June 1 cut, that dead cap figure would be split over the next two seasons, but Miami’s cap savings in 2026 increase to $20.2 million.
Drafted fifth by the Broncos in 2018, Chubb has 48 career sacks.
This move represents the first major roster decision under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was hired from the Green Bay Packers in January. It also leaves a sizable roster hole at outside linebacker, which still features 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson but no productive depth behind him.
Chubb’s release is the first of multiple expected transitional moves this offseason; the team will also make decisions on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill — who combined represent a $108 million cap hit for the Dolphins in 2026.
The news of Chubb’s release was first reported by NFL Network.
