The Miami Dolphins’ 2024 season has been a frustrating one, and recent news about outside linebacker Bradley Chubb’s injury situation has only added to their troubles. On December 24, 2024, the Dolphins announced that Chubb, who suffered a severe knee injury in late 2023, will not be able to play again this season. The team made the decision to not activate his window to return from injury, officially ending any hopes of him contributing for the remainder of the year.
Chubb’s injury, which occurred on December 31, 2023, was a major blow to the Dolphins. He tore his ACL, meniscus, and patellar tendon, leaving his status for 2024 uncertain. Despite the severity of the injury, the Dolphins had hoped that Chubb might be able to return and play in the latter half of the season. However, with the decision to shut him down, it’s clear that the Dolphins will not have one of their key defensive players for their crucial final games of the season.
Miami, currently with a 7-8 record, has had a disappointing year overall. Heading into the final two weeks, the team is three wins behind its preseason over-under of 10, and it will need to win out and get outside help to secure a playoff spot for the third consecutive year. To make matters worse, the Dolphins will now have to do so without Chubb, who was one of their most important edge rushers in 2023.
Last season, Chubb was one of Miami’s top defensive players, recording 11 sacks in 16 games, his most since his standout rookie season in 2018. His performance was a major reason why the Dolphins traded for him at the 2022 trade deadline, sending a first-round pick to the Denver Broncos. In the deal, Miami also took on Chubb’s five-year, $110 million extension, which has three years remaining. That extension means Chubb will be earning a significant amount of money in the coming years, with his 2025 cap hit set to increase to $29.3 million—a roughly 85% rise from his current cap hit of $15.9 million.
In light of Chubb’s injury and the team’s financial outlook, the Dolphins could be faced with tough decisions moving forward. Rookie defensive end Chop Robinson has emerged as a promising pass rusher, with six sacks over his last eight games, and he has generated pressure at an impressive rate. Given his emergence, Chubb could potentially become expendable, as Miami has a young and productive alternative in Robinson.
However, according to Dolphins reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques, head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized that the decision to shut Chubb down was purely based on his recovery, not due to Robinson’s rise or any other factor. The Dolphins clearly want to see Chubb fully recover and return to his previous form, especially since he is under contract for several more years.
Miami’s salary cap situation could also influence how they approach Chubb’s future with the team. With key players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa commanding substantial cap hits—Hill will earn $27.7 million and Tagovailoa $39.4 million in 2025—the Dolphins may be better off re-allocating the funds currently assigned to Chubb to address other roster needs.
If the Dolphins choose to release Chubb, they could save money, but only under specific circumstances. A post-June 1 cut would allow Miami to save $20.2 million in 2025, although it would incur $9.1 million in dead cap for 2025 and $18.3 million for 2026. Cutting Chubb before June 1 would save the team just $1.9 million but result in a massive $27.4 million dead cap charge, which would severely limit Miami’s financial flexibility. Miami already has $17.1 million in dead money for 2025, including $15.7 million related to former cornerback Xavien Howard, so adding even more to that total might not be the most prudent move.
While the financial side of the decision is significant, Miami’s defensive line could look much more potent with a healthy Chubb in the mix. A pass-rushing trio of Chubb, Robinson, and Jaelan Phillips—who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 4—could make the Dolphins’ defense formidable. However, given the uncertainty surrounding Chubb’s health, the Dolphins may have no choice but to hope for a strong return from him in 2025.
In the end, the Dolphins’ ability to succeed in the future may depend on Chubb’s recovery and performance. They’re already facing significant challenges in 2024, and with their salary cap situation, they might not have many other options but to rely on Chubb returning to his pre-injury form. It will be a delicate balance for the Dolphins between managing their finances, making the best use of their resources, and getting the most out of Chubb if he can return to form in 2025.
