Buccaneers Urged to Pursue $110 Million Former 1st Round Pick

Tampa Bay could land elite edge rusher Bradley Chubb as a free agent.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are being urged to pursue free agent edge rusher Bradley Chubb, a former 1st round pick who is coming off two strong seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Chubb, a two-time Pro Bowler, had 20 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, and 117 tackles over the past two seasons. The Buccaneers are in need of an elite pass rusher and Chubb could be the answer, though they may also pursue other top free agents like Trey Hendrickson or Maxx Crosby.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers have struggled to find a dominant edge rusher in recent years, and landing Chubb could provide a major boost to their defense. As a former 1st round pick with Pro Bowl credentials, Chubb would give Tampa Bay the type of game-changing pass rusher they've been lacking.

The details

Chubb, 29, is coming off back-to-back strong seasons with the Dolphins, recording 11 sacks in 2023 and 8.5 sacks in 2025. He missed the 2024 season with a torn ACL. The Dolphins have decided to part ways with Chubb, making him a free agent. Chubb was originally drafted 5th overall by the Denver Broncos in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $110 million extension with the Dolphins in 2022.

  • Chubb had 8.5 sacks in the 2025 season.
  • Chubb missed the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL.
  • Chubb signed a 5-year, $110 million contract extension with the Dolphins in November 2022.

The players

Bradley Chubb

A 29-year-old edge rusher and two-time Pro Bowler who is hitting free agency after being released by the Miami Dolphins.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, previously the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.

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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 (X)

“Bradley Chubb had a $31.2M cap number for 2026. Miami will save $7.3M in cap space while taking on $23.8M in dead money by moving on from Chubb, who had 8.5 sacks last year.”

— Ari Meirov, The 33rd Team (X)

“First big move and cut for Jon-Eric Sullivan as Dolphins GM.”

— David Furones, Dolphins reporter (X)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will likely be aggressive in pursuing Chubb and other top free agent edge rushers this offseason as they look to bolster their pass rush.

The takeaway

Chubb's release by the Dolphins creates an opportunity for the Buccaneers to land an elite edge rusher in free agency, which could be a game-changer for their defense as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026.