FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys just got a massive assist in their hunt for a pass rush. On Monday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz broke the news that the Miami Dolphins are releasing outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, instantly making the two-time Pro Bowler one of the most coveted free agents of the 2026 offseason. For a Dallas defense that looked toothless after trading Micah Parsons last year, Chubb isn’t just an option—he’s a necessity.
The Missing Piece in Zimmer’s Defense
The Cowboys’ 2025 campaign was defined by a single, glaring absence. After shipping Parsons out of town, the defensive front lacked bite. Jadeveon Clowney provided a temporary spark, racking up 8.5 sacks in a resurgence that surprised critics, but relying on a veteran journeyman to anchor the line was never a long-term fix. Clowney is now a free agent, and even if he returns, Dallas needs a legitimate alpha on the edge.
Enter Bradley Chubb. The former No. 5 overall pick has a resume that screams disruption. Despite a rollercoaster tenure in Miami, his production is undeniable: 303 tackles and 48 sacks over seven active seasons. His release stems from a salary cap squeeze in Miami, not a lack of talent. Chubb signed a massive five-year, $110 million extension in 2022, but with the Dolphins pivoting, Dallas can likely secure his services at a market-corrected price.
“We missed that closing speed last year. You can scheme up pressure all you want, but sometimes you just need a guy who can win a one-on-one and wreck the game before the quarterback completes his drop.”
— Anonymous Cowboys Defensive Starter
Why This Move Makes Sense
Jerry Jones loves a splash, but this moves the needle on the field, not just in the headlines. Dallas holds two first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 Draft, and the expectation was they’d burn one on a premier edge rusher. Signing Chubb changes the math. Bringing in a proven commodity allows the Cowboys to use those precious first-rounders to bolster the interior defensive line or add another weapon for the offense.
Chubb isn’t a flawless prospect—injuries have dotted his timeline—but when healthy, he is a force multiplier. Pairing him with a re-signed Clowney or a rookie stand-up rusher would give Dallas the versatility they desperately lacked in 2025. The market for pass rushers will be hot, but the Cowboys have the motivation and the gap in the roster to make this happen immediately.
What’s Next
Expect Dallas to reach out to Chubb’s camp within the week. The Cowboys cannot afford to enter the draft with a gaping hole at defensive end. If they secure Chubb early, they control the board in April. If they wait, they risk being forced to reach for a rookie who might not be ready for the bright lights of AT&T Stadium.
