The Miami Dolphins aren’t quite yet in tank mode, but there is not a considerable amount of hope for the franchise whose roster seems to be moving backwards, rather than forwards.
The long-term future of Tua Tagovailoa remains very much questionable, and the team looks like have flaws on both the offensive and defensive lines despite efforts made in April’s draft to shore up the trenches.
At this time, the Dolphins could be sellers, rather than buyers – a sentiment echoed by Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay. Kay also hints at a name that could be on the chopping block – two-time Pro Bowler and former fifth overall pick, edge rusher Bradley Chubb.
“With whispers that head coach Mike McDaniel has lost his locker room and once-critical veterans like Jalen Ramsey looking for an exit despite a clear need for their services,” Kay wrote on Tuesday, “it’s hard to envision this group turning things around without a major shakeup.”
“Bradley Chubb even broke a generally unspoken code amongst players to not shed light on internal turmoil, telling reporters that the team was “lying” about a culture change last season.”
“While the talented edge rusher indicated there is an actual shift happening in 2025, it won’t matter how content the locker room is if Tagovailoa continues to miss extended stretches.”
The Dolphins Have Multiple Reasons For Wanting To Move Off Bradley Chubb
After spilling the information about the team’s poor culture earlier this month during minicamp, Chubb won’t go straight to being persona non grata, but it certainly will not have endeared him to Miami’s coaching staff.
And even outside of Chubb’s crass words to the media, the Dolphins may benefit from moving the former Denver Bronco.
An excellent 2023 season in Miami was promptly followed a 2024 season spent entirely on the sidelines as he recovered from an ACL tear suffered in December 2023.
At age 28, it is hard to say with conviction that Chubb is fully “past his prime”. But he certainly is not getting any younger, and has now missed significant portions of three seasons; 2019, 2021 and 2024 – for a combined 39 games.
In first round picks, Chop Robinson and Jaelan Phillips, the Dolphins have their outside linebacker/edge rushing tandem of the future, and could see Chubb as an expendable piece as they look to rebuild key units like the offensive line and secondary.
Why A Move To The Chicago Bears Makes Sense
The Chicago Bears have two reasonably strong defensive ends in Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, but behind them the depth chart is remarkably thin. Odeyingbo in particular has not quite shown the ability to consistently win on the edge, and the addition of Chubb could alleviate concerns immediately.
Moreover, the Bears will no doubt get a discount on Chubb coming off his ACL injury, and if they feel comfortable with his physical, could jump on this opportunity as a buy-low spot for a team looking to compete in a hyper-competitive NFC North.
Chicago Bears receive: Bradley Chubb
Miami Dolphins receive: 2026 third round pick, 2026 fourth round pick.
