MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Jeff Hafley era has officially claimed its first victim, and it’s a big one. The Miami Dolphins have released veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb, ending his four-season run in South Florida, as first reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
This isn’t just a roster move; it’s a declaration of intent. With new General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan calling the shots, the Dolphins are choosing to eat a massive financial bullet now rather than delay the inevitable rebuild.
The Numbers Game: Why Now?
On paper, cutting a 29-year-old coming off an 8.5-sack season seems counterintuitive. Chubb finally stayed healthy in 2025, playing all 17 games for the first time in his career after missing the entire 2024 campaign with a torn ACL.
But this decision was never about production; it was about the math. By cutting Chubb before June 1, the Dolphins will swallow a bitter $23.8 million dead money hit while saving just $7.3 million against the cap. A post-June 1 designation would have saved them over $20 million this year, but Sullivan and Hafley clearly want to clear the books for 2027 and beyond rather than kick the can down the road.
“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
The ‘New Miami’ Reality
The writing was on the wall the moment Stephen Ross cleaned house. The previous regime, led by Mike McDaniel, went all-in on veteran talent, leaving the franchise in “cap hell.” The new front office is hitting the hard reset button. Keeping a soon-to-be 30-year-old pass rusher with a lengthy injury history simply didn’t align with a team looking to get younger and cheaper.
While Chubb’s 2025 comeback was admirable—posting those 8.5 sacks and proving he still has burst—the Dolphins didn’t even shop him extensively. They just wanted out. This move signals that no veteran is safe in Miami this offseason.
What’s Next for Chubb?
Chubb hits the open market immediately. He won’t be unemployed for long. Playoff contenders desperate for edge help—look at teams like the Lions or perhaps a reunion with Vic Fangio’s scheme if the fit exists—will value a proven disruptor who showed last season he can still wreck game plans. He likely won’t command the mega-deal Miami gave him, but a short-term, incentive-laden contract on a contender makes perfect sense.
