Buffalo Bills took a real gamble that could go either way with a former Pro Bowler they decided to bring in
Buffalo Bills made a sizable signing for their defense and it looks really bad if they don’t receive a bounce back season from the former Pro Bowler.
The Buffalo Bills had a clear need they had to attack in free agency with a proven pass rusher. Buffalo’s route to filling that spot comes with some risk and the Bills need it to work out to reach their full potential.
With AJ Epenesa and Joey Bosa both free agents, the team needed to bring in someone who has gotten it done rushing the passer. Former first-round pick and Pro Bowler Bradley Chubb was the pick to fill the role, and Buffalo gave him $42 million over three seasons to make it happen.
The Bills are banking on Bradley Chubb returning to form in 2026
Chubb was able to ink a nice deal with Buffalo to stay in the AFC East after he had spent most of the last four seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Catastrophe hit at the end of 2023 when Chubb tore his ACL and he missed all of the 2024 season as a result.
The former NC State standout still had 8.5 sacks in 2025, but his pressure numbers dropped considerably from 70 in 2023 to just 48 in his final year with the Dolphins. As a result, Chubb has made the list of players whose future could dramatically change in 2026.
“Released by the Miami Dolphins, the edge defender was still able to sign a three-year, 43.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills in free agency,” Wendell Ferreira wrote. “And he’s massive for the Bills’ plans. After a good-not-great experience with Joey Bosa, the Bills need more juice from the edge, and the big question is if Chubb can still offer that.”
Buffalo Bills have a backup plan in place with Bradley Chubb
Chubb will turn 30 years old next month and is entering his ninth season in total, his eighth that he’ll be playing in. Greg Rousseau is set to start opposite Chubb, but rookie T.J. Parker could find himself having a role quickly as well. If Parker can hit the ground running with Buffalo, he’ll be hard to keep off the field.
If Chubb by chance doesn’t return to form with Buffalo, they have some pretty good insurance with the second-round pick Parker. Bills GM Brandon Beane made multiple additions to the EDGE room this offseason, and it’ll be a key part of this team to watch all 2026.