DOLPHINS, CHUBB AGREE TO 5-YEAR EXTENSION
The Miami Dolphins have agreed on an extension with outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, the team announced on Thursday.
The Dolphins traded for the 2020 Pro Bowl linebacker before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, acquiring him from the Denver Broncos and extending him just two days later. Miami sent one of two 2023 first-round picks, a 2024 fourth-round pick, and running back Chase Edmonds to Denver in exchange for Chubb and a fifth-rounder.
Chubb’s new extension includes $63.2 million in total guarantees, $53 million of which becomes fully guaranteed in 2023 as per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The former North Carolina State linebacker is due $7.74 million in salary this year from his rookie contract and tacks on another five years worth up to $111.25 million, bringing the full package to $119 million. The deal keeps Chubb in Miami through the 2027 season. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, Vice President Brandon Shore, and Chubb’s agent Erik Burkhardt are reported to have negotiated and closed the deal in just two days.
The Dolphins are clearly all in on the talented linebacker as Chubb joins the top six edge rushers in the league in average annual salary at $22 million a year. Only Steelers’ TJ Watt ($28 million), Chargers’ Joey Bosa ($27 million), Browns’ Myles Garrett ($25 million), Chargers’ Khalil Mack ($23.5 million), and Raiders’ Maxx Crosby ($23.5 million) earn more than Chubb on an annual average pay. His guaranteed money is also the fifth-highest at the position.
Although Chubb’s quality and talent are undeniable, one cannot help but raise a few eyebrows on the investment the Miami Dolphins have put in the former fifth overall pick. Chubb has only ever hit double-digit sacks once in his career, coming all the way back during his rookie season in 2018 (12 sacks). The 26-year-old has not played a full season since then due to injuries and has appeared twice in fewer than eight games (four in 2019, and seven in 2021).
When healthy, Chubb is a playmaker on the defensive line and a leader for an entire defense. The Austell, Georgia-born defender has 5.5 sacks this year and 2 forced fumbles and is on pace for his personal best of 12 sacks for the season. He now pairs up with Emmanuel Ogbah, a difference-maker for the Dolphins on defense and a consistently effective contributor since 2020. Ogbah has had consecutive seasons with 9 sacks and should benefit from the addition of Chubb on the other side of the line.
The Miami Dolphins’ defense currently ranks 23rd in total defense and 26th against the pass, something that the Dolphins hope Chubb can help improve. In an attempt to bolster the pass rush, Miami is banking on Chubb to help take some weight off of the Dolphins’ secondary, a highly talented but strained and overburdened unit. The team ranks 23rd in sacks and 27th in total turnovers.
After a 3-0 start, Miami slumped to 0-3 in the next three games and currently sits third in the division at 5-3. The Miami offense is developing into one of the most feared and explosive offenses in the league with Tua Tagovailoa at the helm and with players like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Raheem Mostert. The defense, however, is looking to improve after allowing the most points in the AFC East including 27 points against the Detroit Lions on Sunday and 40 against the New York Jets in week 4, and it seems the organization believes Chubb is their guy.
The Miami Dolphins next take on the Chicago Bears at 1 pm ET on Sunday at Soldier Field, as the team looks to leapfrog the New York Jets who sit second in the division, and host division leaders, the Buffalo Bills.
-Maher Abucheri
Twitter: @pabloikonyero
Photo: Fox Sports. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.