Latest NFL news gives the Cowboys a big opportunity to ‘bust the budget’ to fix major problem, and it makes sense
The Dallas Cowboys need to find pass rushing help. And the latest big-name release gives them an opportunity to do so.
The Dallas Cowboys are still looking for a big-time player to replace the hole left by the Micah Parsons trade. Though they have a strong interior defensive line anchored by All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, they need someone on the edge to be a true game-wrecker.
The latest NFL news gives them a notorious option they could sign now instead of waiting around until free agency frenzy.
Dolphins release big-name edge rusher
Two-time Pro Bowler Bradley Chubb is hitting the market after reports emerged on the Miami Dolphins releasing him on Monday. The news isn’t a surprise, as Chubb was in the books for a $31.2 million cap hit in 2026 with no guaranteed salary.
In other words, this is the utmost definition of a cap casualty. For the rest of the NFL, Chubb is a talented 29-year old fresh off of a 8.5 sack season. Despite a torn ACL in 2024, Chubb started in 17 games in 2025.
Last year, multiple teams were interested in trading for Chubb, though nothing materialized in the end. Now that he’s available, suitors could be getting in line for him. And despite him a former Top 5 overall pick, he should be in range for the Cowboys.
Is Chubb a realistic option?
I’d say yes, for multiple reasons. Firstly, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is talking about “busting the budget” and though he’s failed to meet expectations before, this time he knows he needs to spend. But I don’t think busting the budget is about making blockbuster deals for splash additions.
Rather, I’d expect smaller signings to get proven starters. Chubb falls in the latter category.
Which leads me to this: Though Chubb is certainly going to generate interest, NFL teams will be wary of signing him to a mega deal. Just ask A to Z Sports’ own Dolphins expert Kyle Crabbs.
“Despite the sack production, Chubb’s play looked to miss the burst and explosiveness that made him a top draft choice back in 2018,” Crabbs writes.
Chubb will also turn 30 years old in June.
With edge rusher being an expensive position in free agency, Chubb could be a “middle of the road” target for the Cowboys. While he’s not going to be this year’s top free agency target at the position, he’s a good, productive starter that could go in the $10-15 million range.
Other noteworthy EDGE free agents
The Cowboys have to worry about re-signing Jadeveon Clowney, but who will be available outside the organization? Below are multiple noteworthy names:
- Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
- Jaelan Phillips, Philadelphia Eagles
- Odafe Oweh, Baltimore Ravens
- Boye Mafe, Seattle Seahawks
- Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers,
- Joey Bosa, Buffalo Bills
- K’Lavon Chaisson, New England Patriots
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