It isn't any secret that one of the biggest needs of the Chicago Bears' 2026 offseason is finding a consistent presence off the edge. Rushing the passer was a group effort in the 2025 season, with the results pointing to the Bears needing to add a star aside from Montez Sweat.
One player who was a speculated fit ahead of the 2025 trade deadline was Miami Dolphins pass rusher Bradley Chubb. Now, despite failing to land the veteran at the trade deadline, the fit is once again a possible reality.
According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Dolphins and Chubb are parting ways, allowing the pass rusher to hit free agency. This is an ideal development that gives the Bears yet another potential offseason target. Schultz noted that, "In his two full seasons with the Dolphins (2023 & 2025), Chubb has 20 sacks, 8 FF, and 117 tackles. He should have a nice market." This is the exact type of star production the Bears are so badly missing from their current defense.
Last season, Chicago's leading sack artist was Sweat, offering 10 sacks. The next leading pass rusher was defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr with 6. This points to a complete lack of depth and sets the Bears up to chase Chubb as a potential fit in the 2026 offseason.
Bears Have Perfect Offseason Target After Surprise Release of Pas Rusher Bradley Chubb
Getting released at only 29 sets up a robust market for Chubb and likely begins a bidding war as teams realize the importance of a deep pass rush. Each of the past two Super Bowls has been decided by the team that gets to the quarterback early and gives its offense a head start. As dynamic as the Bears might be, coming from behind in the playoffs exposed the need for the pass-rushing unit to improve.
According to Over The Cap, the Bears are starting the offseason with a negative -$5.3 million in cap space. This is a number that can easily be manipulated to afford Chubb by making the necessary roster cuts and restructures. With DJ Moore and Cole Kmet already speculated as potential offseason trade options, opening up the needed space shouldn't be an issue for the franchise.
For Chubb, coming to Chicago makes sense as it allows you to play opposite Sweat while joining an up-and-coming contender. This isn't ring chasing in the sense of joining a proven championship team, but rather signing with a franchise that clearly needs the skill set that should help push the Bears among the top potential Super Bowl contenders.
With this in mind, Monday's surprise release is an exciting development that gives the Bears an obvious fit beyond just a potential reunion with Khalil Mack or an early draft pick. It is a great chance to sign a perfect fit that can step in and help make a Super Bowl push from day one for Chicago.