Dolphins Pull Off Stunning $16M Salary Cap Heist with Bradley Chubb Deal!.

The Miami Dolphins have made a significant financial move by restructuring the contract of linebacker Bradley Chubb, a decision that will provide the team with substantial salary cap relief ahead of the 2025 NFL season. This restructuring was a strategic effort to create financial flexibility, particularly as Miami navigates free agency and prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Terms of Chubb’s Restructured Contract

Chubb, a key piece of the Dolphins’ defense since being acquired from the Denver Broncos in 2022, was originally set to carry a massive $28.7 million cap hit for the 2025 season. However, due to his season-ending ACL injury suffered in December 2023, the Dolphins faced a tough financial dilemma regarding his contract. With concerns over his recovery and the team’s need to free up cap space, Miami worked with Chubb to restructure his deal, significantly reducing his 2025 salary while converting a portion of his pay into bonuses.

Under the restructured contract, Chubb’s base salary for 2025 has been lowered to $3.2 million, down from the previous $14 million he was due to earn. To compensate for this reduction, the Dolphins have converted a large portion of his salary into a prorated signing bonus of $9.1 million. Additionally, Chubb will receive per-game roster bonuses totaling $680,000 and a workout bonus of $100,000. The overall result of these adjustments is a reduced cap hit of $12.4 million in 2025, saving the Dolphins approximately $16.3 million against the cap.

This restructuring provides Miami with much-needed financial flexibility as they look to strengthen their roster ahead of the new season. Given the team’s aggressive approach in past offseasons, these savings could be used to pursue free agents or retain key players set to hit the market.

Impact on the Dolphins’ Salary Cap

Prior to restructuring Chubb’s deal, the Dolphins were projected to be roughly $12 million over the 2025 salary cap limit. The team had already made several roster moves to clear space, including releasing veteran players and restructuring other contracts. With the additional $16.3 million saved from Chubb’s new deal, Miami is now estimated to have around $28.4 million in available cap space.

This cap space is crucial as the Dolphins enter the free agency period, where they may target reinforcements on both sides of the ball. Given that Miami struggled with defensive depth due to injuries in 2024, they are expected to prioritize linebacker, edge rusher, and secondary help in free agency and the draft. The team could also explore extensions for core players or future cap maneuvers to ensure long-term financial health.

Bradley Chubb’s Journey with the Dolphins

Chubb, a two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. After a productive tenure in Denver, Miami traded a first-round pick for him in November 2022, believing he could be a cornerstone piece for their defense. Upon arrival, he signed a five-year, $110 million extension, with $63.2 million guaranteed.

In his first full season with the Dolphins in 2023, Chubb delivered a strong performance, racking up 11 sacks, 52 total tackles, and five forced fumbles before suffering a devastating ACL tear in Week 17. This injury sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, raising concerns about his long-term availability and leading to the current contract restructuring.

Despite the injury setback, Chubb has been progressing well in rehabilitation, with team officials optimistic about his return for the 2025 season. His presence will be crucial for Miami’s defensive unit, which faced significant injuries in 2024.

What This Means for Miami Moving Forward

With Chubb’s deal now restructured, the Dolphins have greater financial flexibility heading into the 2025 season. The additional cap space opens doors for key roster moves, including pursuing impact players in free agency, extending current stars, or even planning for future contract restructures.

Furthermore, the Dolphins will be closely monitoring Chubb’s recovery. If he can return to his pre-injury form, he remains a vital part of Miami’s pass rush alongside Jaelan Phillips. However, if he struggles to regain his explosiveness, the team may need to reconsider its long-term investment in him.

Ultimately, this restructuring benefits both Chubb and the Dolphins. Chubb secures his financial future while giving Miami the necessary cap relief to remain competitive. As the Dolphins gear up for what is expected to be an active offseason, this move positions them well to strengthen their roster and build upon their recent playoff runs.

With free agency approaching, Miami fans will now turn their attention to how the team utilizes its newfound cap space. Will they make a splash signing, retain key free agents, or hold onto the flexibility for mid-season adjustments? One thing is certain—the Dolphins’ front office has been strategic in its approach, and this restructuring of Chubb’s deal is just one of several moves aimed at keeping Miami in the playoff hunt for years to come.

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