Bills Sign Chubb to $43M Deal, Drawing ESPN Scrutiny

The 3-year contract includes $29M in guaranteed money for the 29-year-old pass rusher.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:28am

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The Buffalo Bills signed defensive end Bradley Chubb to a 3-year, $43 million contract with $29 million in guaranteed money, a move that drew criticism from ESPN's Field Yates, who called it a "head-scratching" overpay for a soon-to-be 30-year-old player coming off an 8.5 sack season. However, the Bills believe Chubb will be a key piece in their defensive overhaul under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Why it matters

The Bills had a significant need to upgrade their pass rush, and Chubb's signing is intended to address that. However, the high price tag has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether the Bills overpaid for the 29-year-old's services.

The details

Chubb's contract includes $29 million in guaranteed money over the 3-year deal. He recorded 8.5 sacks last season, his first full year back after tearing his ACL in 2021. The Bills are hoping Chubb can be a disruptive force in their defense under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.

  • Chubb signed the 3-year, $43 million contract with the Bills on March 15, 2026.

The players

Bradley Chubb

A 29-year-old defensive end who was signed by the Buffalo Bills to a 3-year, $43 million contract with $29 million guaranteed.

Jim Leonhard

The new defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, who is overseeing a defensive overhaul for the team.

Field Yates

An ESPN analyst who criticized the Bills' signing of Chubb as an overpay for the 29-year-old pass rusher.

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What they’re saying

“The Bills signing edge rusher Bradley Chubb. Buffalo had a significant need to upgrade at edge rusher, and Chubb helps that cause. But the amount was surprising; Chubb's deal includes $29 million guaranteed over three years. He is a solid player who piled up 8.5 sacks last season, but that's a steep figure for a soon-to-be 30-year-old rusher.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Bills will be hoping Chubb can live up to the high price tag and provide a significant boost to their pass rush in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Bills were aggressive in free agency to address a key need, but the high price tag for Chubb has drawn scrutiny. The team is betting that the 29-year-old pass rusher can be a difference-maker, but it remains to be seen if the investment will pay off.