Dolphins Cut Ties with Veteran Edge Rusher Bradley Chubb

The 29-year-old Pro Bowler was released after four seasons with the team.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins are parting ways with veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb after four seasons with the team. Chubb, a two-time Pro Bowler, bounced back from a torn ACL in 2025 to post 8.5 sacks in 17 games last season. However, with a new general manager and head coach, the Dolphins are hitting the reset button and a soon-to-be 30-year-old with a big cap number and injury history doesn't fit into their plans.

Why it matters

Chubb's release is a significant move for the Dolphins as they look to rebuild their roster under new leadership. The decision to cut ties with the veteran pass rusher suggests the team is prioritizing younger, more cost-effective options as they aim to reshape their defense.

The details

The Dolphins will incur $23.8 million in dead money if they release Chubb before June 1, but that would save them $7.3 million in cap space. A post-June 1 cut would have lowered the dead money by nearly $13 million while saving Miami $20.2 million.

  • Chubb bounced back from a torn ACL in 2025 to play in all 17 games in 2026.
  • The Dolphins are reportedly cutting ties with Chubb on February 16, 2026.

The players

Bradley Chubb

A 29-year-old veteran edge rusher who was a two-time Pro Bowler during his four seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins

An NFL team based in Miami, Florida that is undergoing a roster reset with a new general manager and head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Sources: The Dolphins and two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Bradley Chubb are parting ways, making the 29-year-old a free agent.”

— Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider (Sporting News)

What’s next

Chubb will now become a free agent and will likely draw interest from other NFL teams looking to add a veteran pass rusher to their roster.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' decision to release Chubb signals a shift in their priorities as they look to rebuild their roster with younger, more cost-effective players. While Chubb had a productive 2026 season, his age and injury history made him an expendable piece in Miami's plans moving forward.