Bills Sign Oft-Injured Chubb to $43.5M Deal, Raising Bust Concerns

Critics view the Bills' top free agent signing as a risky move given Chubb's injury history.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:27pm

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The Buffalo Bills have signed former Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb to a three-year, $43.5 million contract, their biggest defensive free agent signing this offseason. However, the move has been criticized by some, including Sports Illustrated's Matthew Verderame, who labeled Chubb as one of the "Five Likely Busts From 2026 NFL Free Agency." Verderame cited Chubb's extensive injury history, having missed 42 games over his eight-year career, as a major concern for the Bills.

Why it matters

The Bills have been searching for a consistent pass-rushing threat to complement their star quarterback Josh Allen. Chubb, a former 5th overall pick, had a productive 2025 season for the Dolphins, but his lengthy injury history raises doubts about whether he can stay healthy and live up to the big contract the Bills have given him.

The details

The Bills signed Chubb to a three-year, $43.5 million contract, the largest defensive deal they've handed out since the new league year began. Chubb, who was drafted two picks before Josh Allen in 2018, is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Dolphins where he had 8.5 sacks and played 72% of the defensive snaps. However, he has missed 42 games over his eight-year career due to various injuries, including a severe knee injury in 2023 that included an ACL tear.

  • Chubb was drafted in 2018, two picks before Josh Allen.
  • In 2023, Chubb suffered a severe knee injury that included an ACL tear.
  • In 2025, Chubb started all 17 games for the Dolphins and had 8.5 sacks.
  • The Bills signed Chubb to a three-year, $43.5 million contract in 2026 free agency.

The players

Bradley Chubb

A former 5th overall draft pick who has had an injury-plagued career, but is coming off a productive 2025 season with the Dolphins.

Josh Allen

The star quarterback of the Buffalo Bills who the team is hoping Chubb can help provide a consistent pass-rushing threat to complement.

Matthew Verderame

A Sports Illustrated national author who has criticized the Bills' signing of Chubb, labeling him as one of the "Five Likely Busts From 2026 NFL Free Agency."

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What they’re saying

“The Bills are taking a calculated risk. They believe Chubb can stay healthy for at least two seasons and give them the postseason pass rush they've not had in the Josh Allen era. However, it's fair to wonder whether Chubb was the best bet to make.”

— Matthew Verderame, Sports Illustrated National Author

What’s next

The Bills will be closely monitoring Chubb's health and production throughout the 2026 season to see if he can stay on the field and provide the pass-rushing boost they are hoping for.

The takeaway

The Bills' signing of Bradley Chubb to a lucrative three-year deal is a high-risk, high-reward move. If Chubb can stay healthy and recapture his past form, he could be a game-changing addition for Buffalo's defense. However, his lengthy injury history raises serious concerns about whether he can live up to the big contract, making this a risky bet by the Bills' front office.