From Miami to Buffalo: A New Chapter for Bradley Chubb
The landscape of the AFC East has shifted dramatically. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the league, Bradley Chubb, once a cornerstone of the Miami Dolphins’ pass rush, has officially joined the Buffalo Bills. This isn’t just a roster change; it’s a strategic realignment that could propel Buffalo even closer to their first-ever Super Bowl victory.
Moving from a team currently eyeing a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to a powerhouse led by superstar QB Josh Allen, Chubb finds himself in the perfect position to showcase his elite skill set on a championship-contending stage.
The Financials Behind the Move
The Buffalo Bills wasted no time during the opening hours of free agency in March to secure Chubb’s talents. The two parties agreed to a reported three-year, $43.5 million contract, providing the Bills with a veteran presence in the defensive line.
For the Miami Dolphins, the decision was primarily a financial one. With a staggering $31.2 million cap hit looming for 2026, releasing Chubb with a post-June 1 designation allowed Miami to save over $20 million. This move reflects a broader, more aggressive rebuilding strategy currently underway in Miami.
The Dolphins’ Great Roster Reset
Bradley Chubb’s departure is part of a larger trend of high-profile exits from the Dolphins’ roster. The team has undergone a massive overhaul to clear cap space and reset their trajectory:
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- Tua Tagovailoa: Released due to contract disputes and now signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
- Tyreek Hill: Let go following a challenging injury recovery period.
- Jaylen Waddle: Traded to the Denver Broncos.
It has reached a point where the Dolphins are paying more in dead cap to players not on their roster than to the active players currently wearing their jerseys.
Overcoming Adversity: Health and Performance
The move to Buffalo comes after a grueling period for Chubb. The defensive end battled severe injuries late in the 2023 season, including a torn ACL, meniscus, and patellar tendon. Despite these setbacks, Chubb proved his resilience by recording 8.5 sacks in 2025, a statistic that made him an irresistible target for the Bills’ front office.
A Family Legacy: The Chubb Connection
Beyond the stats and contracts, there is a fascinating family dynamic at play. Bradley is second cousins with the powerhouse running back Nick Chubb. Both athletes were high-profile selections in the 2018 NFL Draft—Bradley at No. 5 by the Denver Broncos and Nick at No. 35 by the Cleveland Browns.
In a poetic twist of fate, Bradley’s very first career tackle was against his own cousin, Nick. While both players have seen their peak years transition, their impact on the game remains undeniable.
What This Means for the AFC East
Because the Bills and Dolphins share a division, Bradley Chubb will have two golden opportunities this season to face his former teammates. It will be a masterclass in “revenge games,” as Chubb aims to prove that Miami’s decision to let him go was a costly mistake.
