The Miami Dolphins spent the last few NFL seasons aggressively pushing their chips to the center of the table, but that win-now approach will soon force some tough roster decisions for the team’s new GM. With the salary cap tightening and Miami facing major financial commitments elsewhere, one veteran name beginning to surface in trade speculation is edge rusher Bradley Chubb.
Will The Dolphins Trade Bradley Chubb This NFL Offseason?
Chubb, still just 29, remains a productive pass rusher when healthy, but his contract and durability concerns make him a logical candidate if the Dolphins decide to reshuffle their priorities. Miami would be selling low compared to the price it once paid, yet for contending teams in need of pass-rush help, Chubb represents a high-upside bet with proven experience.
Here are three possible trade destinations for Bradley Chubb this NFL offseason:
Chicago Bears
In a season full of improvement for Chicago, there remained one glaring weakness. The team’s pass rush was one of the least effective in the league, as they forced just 35 sacks against opposing QBs, which ranked 23rd in the NFL. The team attempted to fix the problem last offseason, but their investments in the defensive line didn’t pan out, and they are left with the same issues a year later.
Bringing in Chubb would give the Bears a nice 1-2 punch alongside Montez Sweat, but there would be an age and mileage issue. Both players are currently 29 years old, and it may be in the best future interests to try to get younger at the position this offseason.
San Francisco 49ers
Even with Nick Bosa returning in 2026, San Francisco will need an upgrade to their defensive pass rush. The 49ers were able to notch just 20 sacks as a team in 2025, easily the fewest of any NFL team, and they ranked last in pressure percentage, as well. Given that a dominant defensive line has always been a priority for GM John Lynch, it is likely that it will be at the top of the team’s to-do list this spring.
But like the Bears, the 49ers have a defensive line full of players over the age of 27. But unlike Chicago, San Francisco may be seeing their championship window closing instead of just beginning to open, and they may do what it takes to bolster the roster this offseason. If they are willing to take on his salary, then interest in Bradley Chubb would make plenty of sense.
Carolina Panthers
Positionally, the Panthers have one of the youngest edge rushing groups in the NFL. Unfortunately, not many of their youngsters have taken a step towards being above-average performers at best, and the team could look for a veteran presence this offseason. If they want a former Pro Bowler with multiple 11+ sack seasons under his belt, then Chubb could be a logical target.
The pass rush hasn’t been a strong point for Carolina in recent memory. In 2024, they ranked 29th in the league in total sacks, and were able to move up only one spot to number 28 in 2025.
