The Miami Dolphins are reportedly making their first significant cut of the offseason.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Dolphins are cutting veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb after four seasons with the team.
“Sources: The Dolphins and two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Bradley Chubb are parting ways, making the 29-year-old a free agent,” Schultz reported.
Chubb bounced back in a big way from his torn ACL, with the 29-year-old posting 8.5 sacks while playing in all 17 games. It was the first time in his career that he didn’t miss a single game.
Why Dolphins are cutting Bradley Chubb
With a new general manager and head coach, the Dolphins are hitting the reset button, and a soon-to-be 30-year-old with a huge cap number and lengthy injury history doesn’t fit into those plans.
It is at least a bit odd that the Dolphins didn’t take more time to try and find a trade partner for Chubb, but cutting him will open up some cap space.
If it’s a pre-June 1 move, Miami will incur $23.8 million in dead money while saving $7.3 million.
A post-June 1 cut would have lowered that dead money by nearly $13 million while saving Miami $20.2 million, but taking the bigger hit now ensures Miami saves more money down the road.
With the Dolphins not really needing cap space this offseason with the team in the midst of a rebuild, it makes sense to just rip the band-aid off completely now.
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