Why did Dolphins cut Bradley Chubb?

Miami begins a hard reset on its pass rush

The Dolphins’ decision to part ways with Bradley Chubb is the first clear sign of a sweeping roster reset coming to South Florida. Chubb leaves after four seasons with Miami; he had two years remaining on his contract and his 2025 numbers—around 8.5 sacks and 47 tackles—did not save his spot as the franchise prepares for a major offseason overhaul.

Front-office changes and a new coaching direction drove the move. With a new head coach installed and cap room management looming, Miami chose to shed Chubb’s remaining salary that wasn’t guaranteed. That created immediate salary-cap relief and signaled the team’s willingness to move on from established veterans as it restructures around younger players and a different schematic approach.

What this means on the field

• Financial flexibility: Releasing his contract clears meaningful cap space and frees the Dolphins to pursue upgrades at other positions, including quarterback and wide receiver, which have been focal points in recent coverage.
• Roster turnover: Chubb’s departure is expected to be followed by additional veteran exits as the franchise remakes the roster ahead of the 2026 season.
• Market for Chubb: Although Miami cut him, Chubb remains a proven edge rusher with multiple Pro Bowl-caliber seasons on his résumé. Several teams — including Dallas, Buffalo, San Francisco and Philadelphia — were mentioned among plausible suitors, given their need for pass rush help and the chance to acquire a veteran who has produced in recent years.

It’s still unclear exactly how Miami will redeploy the savings or which veterans will be next to move. But the release makes one thing plain: the franchise is embracing a significant rebuild, and the coming weeks should reveal how aggressive the Dolphins will be in reshaping the roster.