A high-risk, high-reward star is hitting the market in an area of desperate need for the Bucs, but they should be cautious
A potential difference maker is becoming available, but Tampa Bay should have reservations.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offseason checklist has some notable to do’s near the top of the list. Two that clearly sit at the top (or should) are finding edge rushing help and locating a couple of starting-caliber players at inside linebacker.
Regarding the former, an intriguing option is hitting the free agent market, one that should have the attention of Bucs general manager Jason Licht.
Per multiple outlets, the Miami Dolphins are releasing veteran outside linebacker Bradley Chubb after three seasons with the team.
Miami Dolphins to release OLB Bradley Chubb, who could become an intriguing but risky target for the Bucs
Chubb is a two-time Pro Bowler (2018, 2022) who just wrapped up his eighth season in the league and third with the Dolphins. He was drafted by Denver with the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and he had an explosive first season for the Broncos with 12 sacks.
He came over to the Miami Dolphins by trade during the 2022 season, where he helped Miami reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016, finishing with eight sacks across 16 games.
But it was in 2023 where his career suffered a catastrophic hit. Late in the season against Baltimore, in the final minutes of an ugly blowout loss to the Ravens, Chubb suffered a torn ACL. The injury turned out to be severe enough to cost him the entire 2024 season as well.
Chubb did return in 2025 and played a full 17 games, totaling 8.5 sacks, which was a strong step forward after a dismal prior year and a half.
But Chubb’s history should beg caution for the Buccaneers. In eight seasons, Chubb has played in single-digit games in four of them, in addition to missing the 2024 season altogether while recovering from his ACL injury. That’s a significant injury history and amount of time missed.
The Bucs made a substantial one-year investment in Haason Reddick last offseason and got burned, with Reddick missing 4 games and totaling just 2.5 sacks. They can’t afford to miss again or invest in someone who lacks in the most important ability — availability.
Naturally, the market will determine the level of risk, and Chubb should have a strong one. Pass rushing prowess is always at a premium, and players as talented as Chubb don’t become available every day.
But with limited cap space — $18.4 million in effective cap space, per Over The Cap — and holes along the defense to fill, spending the money necessary to land Chubb might be money wiser spent elsewhere, with the NFL Draft and other free agency options better ways to address a pass rush that needs a major boost in 2026.
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