The Miami Dolphins have emerged as arguably the biggest sellers at the 2025 NFL trade deadline. They have already dealt Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles and fired general manager Chris Grier, so it’s clear that they are looking ahead to the future.
Now, all eyes are on the Dolphins to see if Bradley Chubb and Matthew Judon will be traded next as Miami looks to restock its draft capital.
Chubb, in particular, has generated a ton of trade rumors since he’s a veteran with playoff experience who’s capable of producing both as a primary rusher or as a complement to another pass rusher. Chubb is also under contract through 2027, which provides cost control for a team looking to contend beyond just this season.
The risks of acquiring him are tied to his recent injury history and large cap hit. However, for contenders looking to reinforce their defensive front, Chubb’s talent makes him well worth the investment. Here are several teams that make sense as a landing spot for Chubb if the Dolphins decide to part ways with him.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys’ offense has been terrific this season, but their disappointing defense is holding them back. Dallas still views itself as a contender in the NFC East and could use an infusion of veteran leadership and pass-rush production.
With ample draft capital, including two first-round picks, the Cowboys have the resources to make a move. Dallas’ lack of elite pass-rushing has limited its defense, and acquiring Chubb could dramatically shift that narrative.
Chubb would immediately be Dallas’ best pass-rusher and his ability to set the edge while still bringing power off the line would immediately bolster a front seven that’s struggled to find consistency. For a defense looking to return to form, that’s an easy price to pay for a proven difference-maker and he could help replace what they lost when they traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are again in the hunt for the AFC’s top seed, but their defensive front remains a weakness. Turning that around could be what gets Kansas City back to the top. George Karlaftis has performed very well, yet the production behind him has been extremely underwhelming.
Adding Chubb would completely alter the Chiefs’ defensive dynamic. A trio of Chubb, Karlaftis, and Chris Jones could give Kansas City one of the league’s most versatile and dangerous fronts.
The biggest obstacle is cap space. The Chiefs currently have just $3.5 million available, but Chubb’s cap hit this year will be minimal. Salary cap constraints has never stopped Kansas City before, as Chiefs players have continuously bought into the program and restructured deals in order to help the team. If KC can get their cap space right for the deal, the Chiefs could send their a pick to Miami in exchange for Chubb’s services.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers continue to find ways to win, but their pass rush hasn’t been the same since losing Nick Bosa to injury. With $23 million in cap space and a surplus of draft assets, the 49ers are perfectly positioned to make a move.
Bryce Huff has been productive in Bosa’s absence, but he has battled a hamstring injury. Mykel Williams flashed potential, but he is now out for the season with a knee injury. Bringing in a veteran like Chubb would immediately solidify the group and bring leadership to a defensive line that’s thin on experience.
The 49ers could send one of their four 2026 fourth-round picks to Miami for Chubb, adding another high-end pass rusher to complement Huff. For a team with championship ambitions, it’s a move that makes too much sense to ignore.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pass-rushing depth remains questionable. Yaya Diaby has been extremely promising, but Haason Reddick is dealing with a knee injury and interior rusher Calijah Kancey is out for the year.
Chubb would be a major upgrade and fill a pressing need, providing an experienced and versatile rusher to complement Todd Bowles’ aggressive defensive front. With $17 million in cap space and a full stock of draft picks, the Buccaneers could comfortably offer their 2026 fourth-round pick to Miami.
As of now, the Buccaneers are winning games largely due to their offense; however, adding Chubb could push Tampa’s defense to the next level. Adding in Chubb to a front of Reddick, Diaby, and Vita Vea would create havoc for opposing offensive lines. For a team already among the NFC’s best, adding an experienced game-changer in Chubb could be the move that pushes Tampa over the hump.