In 2022, the Miami Dolphins traded a first-round pick for Bradley Chubb and signed him to a five-year, $110 million extension. After an 11-sack season in 2023, he tore his ACL and missed the entire portion of 2024. He returned in 2025 to lead the Dolphins with 8.5 sacks, playing every game.
Despite his solid comeback, Miami couldn’t keep him after entering the 2026 offseason $17.4 million over the salary cap. With Chubb’s cap hit set at $31.2 million, the team released him on March 11 as a post-June 1 cut to save money.
The very next day, Chubbsigned a three-year, $43.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills. While joining a division rival can look like a spiteful move, Chubb insisted it wasn’t. A team captain and Miami’s 2025 Man of the Year nominee, he framed the move as a practical choice based on finances and fit rather than a grudge.
Former Dolphins star Bradley Chubb sends emotional goodbye after Bills move
Appearing on former Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead’s podcast, Chubb addressed the optics directly, confirming he wasn’t going to Buffalo to stick it to Miami.
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 Sports
“It’s not personal at all,” the 29-year-old said. “I’m not going up there to spite Miami. It was the best opportunity presented to me. I love you all. You took me in when I had a lot of hate in my heart.”
He followed that up on social media as well,tellingthe Dolphins fanbase, “I love y’all… I could finish it out with the Dolphins, I’m not trying to burn no bridges. It’s love.”
🎥 Bradley Chubb leaves a message to the Miami Dolphins fanbase following his release, hinting at a possible return:
“I love y’all… I could finish it out with the Dolphins, I’m not trying to burn no bridges. It’s love.” (@thesetshow_) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/Wyh33P3Sqv
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) March 21, 2026
For a linebacker who gave Miami 22 sacks across three active seasons, the gratitude seems genuine. However, Buffalo is taking a calculated risk. Chubb turns 30 in June and has now torn ACLs in both knees during his eight-year career.
But they needed someone. Just to recap, the Bills were desperate for pass-rush help after Joey Bosa departed in free agency, leaving Gregory Rousseau as the only proven starter on the edge. New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard now has a legitimate bookend for Rousseau in a scheme that requires defenders to win one-on-one battles.
If Chubb stays healthy, Buffalo could field one of the most dangerous defensive fronts in the AFC. The relationship between these division rivals will be tested immediately in Week 1.