The Miami Dolphins have an unfavorable cap situation, with at least $24.75 million in the hole when accounting for at least 51 players under contract and their projected rookie class, per Over The Cap. Since Miami hired Jeff Hafley as its next head coach, they need to build its defense around players who are scheme fits and part ways with those who are not. Highlighting one of the biggest question marks on defense is whether the Dolphins will retain their 29-year-old Pro Bowler.
Miami Dolphins’ 29-year-old pass rusher has a hefty cap hit after a down year
Miami Dolphins, Bradley Chubb
Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports4
Bradley Chubb is scheduled to earn a $19.45 million base salary, a per-game bonus totaling $680,000, a $100,000 workout bonus, and carries a $31.2 million cap hit in 2026, the sixth-highest by an EDGE rusher. The two-time Pro Bowler is coming off a down year, recording 47 tackles, eight TFLs, 48 pressures, 31 hurries, nine quarterback hits, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles across 17 starts, all fewer than 2023 totals. There were reports that the Dolphins attempted to trade him at the NFL Trade Deadline but ultimately decided not to, mainly because they had already traded Jaelan Phillips.
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Miami Dolphins reveal fate of two-time Pro Bowler
According to Jordan Schultz, the Dolphins have parted ways with Bradley Chubb. Teams may have balked at acquiring him this offseason because of his age and the $39.49 million on his remaining two years of his contract. They would have inherited his $19.45 million base salary, $680,000 per-game bonus, and $100,000 workout bonus in 2026, and his $18.48 million base salary, $4 million roster bonus, $680,000 per-game bonus, and $100,000 workout bonus in 2027. In the end, with a pre-June 1 release, the front office clears $7.34 million while incurring $23.86 million in dead cap.
Sources: The #Dolphins and two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Bradley Chubb are parting ways, making the 29-year-old a free agent.
In his two full seasons with the Dolphins (2023 & 2025), Chubb has 20 sacks, 8 FF, and 117 tackles. He should have a nice market. pic.twitter.com/u19NEaBZV9
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 16, 2026