Commanders have clear opportunity to address biggest roster need with high-profile name after 2026 NFL offseason domino
The Commanders could pursue pass rusher Bradley Chubb after being released by the Dolphins before free agency.
The Washington Commanders have a busy offseason ahead, and they need to enter the 2026 NFL Draft with the majority of their biggest roster holes filled.
After neglecting it last offseason, the Commanders need to finally address the EDGE position this offseason and swing big on a pass rusher. Head coach Dan Quinn and Adam Peters have both said that the team will look to add a pass rusher this offseason, and there will be plenty of opportunities.
The 2026 NFL Draft will have a deep EDGE class, including a handful of options with the No. 7 overall pick. The Commanders will have even more opportunities to land a pass rusher in free agency, especially with one high-profile name now available.
Miami Dolphins release pass rusher Bradley Chubb
The offseason is in full swing with free agency just three weeks away, and teams are starting to make roster moves to prepare. The Miami Dolphins are the first team to make a notable move by releasing two-time Pro Bowler Bradley Chubb, who will be a top pass rusher on the market this offseason.
The 2026 free agency group isn’t the deepest by any means, and the EDGE market will be scarce this offseason, forcing teams to do more trades than usual. Trey Hendrickson will be the biggest name if the Cincinnati Bengals don’t use the franchise tag on him. Then it’s down to Jaelan Phillips, Boye Mafe, and Odafe Oweh as the top options, and Chubb will be a top name in the mix now.
The Commanders obviously don’t want to do anymore trades unless it’s a sure-fire trade that lands them a big name, but adding a free agent and doubling down in the NFL Draft is the best-case scenario. Should the Commanders consider Chubb as an option, though?
Should the Commanders pursue Bradley Chubb as a free agent?
The Commanders have said that they will add a pass rusher, but they also said that they want to get younger and faster this offseason. Chubb will be 30 years old by next season, and he’s also suffered two torn ACLs in his career, and missed the entire 2024 season. But, when he’s on the field, he’s productive with 20 sacks in his last two seasons played, including 8.5 sacks and 48 pressures in 2025.
I’m sure the Commanders will do their due diligence on Chubb since he does fit the scheme that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will install, but it comes with a risk due to his injury history. Chubb is also very likely to land on a contender who is willing to pay him top dollar on the market, which is too risky for the Commanders. They need to look for rising younger players like Mafe, Arnold Ebiketie, or wait until the NFL Draft.
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