After trading away Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys entered 2025 knowing their defensive identity would be tested.

That test exposed a glaring reality.

The pass rush that once defined Dallas lacked consistent disruption, forcing the front office to reevaluate its long-term strategy at edge rusher.

Veteran Jadeveon Clowney provided a late-season spark, finishing with 8.5 sacks and stabilizing the rotation during critical stretches.

Yet Clowney now enters free agency, and even if Dallas successfully retains him, the roster still demands additional firepower.

The Cowboys hold two first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, and league evaluators widely expect them to target an EDGE prospect from what is considered a deep and explosive class.

However, they may not need to wait until draft night to address the deficiency.

On Monday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Miami Dolphins are releasing veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb.

That decision instantly elevated Chubb into one of the most intriguing free agents on the market.

Originally selected fifth overall by the Denver Broncos in 2018, Chubb entered the league with franchise cornerstone expectations.

He was later traded to Miami in 2022 in a deal that included a first-round pick and additional draft compensation.

Shortly thereafter, the Dolphins rewarded him with a five-year, $110 million extension that included $63.2 million guaranteed.

Across seven NFL seasons, Chubb has compiled 303 total tackles and 48 sacks while earning Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2022.

During his two full seasons in Miami, 2023 and 2025, he recorded 20 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and 117 tackles.

Most recently, he appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 season and posted 8.5 sacks, demonstrating durability after previous setbacks.

That durability narrative, however, remains complicated.

Chubb tore the ACL in his left knee in 2019, an injury that interrupted early momentum in his career.

He later suffered a tear to his right ACL in late 2023, forcing him to miss the entire 2024 season.

Additionally, an ankle injury sidelined him for 10 games during the 2021 campaign.

The Dolphins’ decision to release him was largely financial, a salary-saving maneuver rather than a reflection of diminished ability.

Still, any interested team must weigh the medical history alongside the upside.

For Dallas, the calculus centers on risk versus immediate impact.

If Chubb can maintain the health he displayed in 2025, he offers proven edge production at just 29 years old.

His presence would alleviate pressure on younger players and provide flexibility entering the draft.

Conversely, investing significant cap resources into a player with multiple major knee injuries carries inherent volatility.

The Cowboys must also consider how Chubb would complement Clowney if both were retained.

Pairing two experienced edge defenders could restore the defensive front’s intimidation factor while allowing rotational management to preserve health.

Alternatively, Dallas may prefer to pursue a younger, cost-controlled solution through the draft.

Owner Jerry Jones has historically demonstrated willingness to pursue bold defensive acquisitions when championship contention appears within reach.

The NFC landscape remains competitive, and pressure on the quarterback remains the quickest pathway to postseason success.

If Dallas views 2026 as a reassertion year following the Parsons trade, adding Bradley Chubb could signal aggressive intent.

Ultimately, the decision will hinge on medical evaluations, contract structure, and long-term roster architecture.

Chubb will command interest across the league, and his market is expected to develop swiftly.

For the Cowboys, the question is not whether he can rush the passer.

It is whether the reward outweighs the risk in a season where defensive resurgence is non-negotiable.