“Being on the sidelines and trying to lead from the background has its moments, but there’s nothing like going shoulder to shoulder with your teammates, working hard as a unit. I’m ready to show what we can do this year; we’ve got a lot to prove—not to anyone else, but to ourselves.”
With his recovery process wrapping up successfully, Chubb, along with coach Mike McDaniel, confirms that he’s ready to participate in most on-field activities. Instead of rushing back last season, Chubb wisely opted to let his body heal fully—a choice that’s proving to pay dividends now.
Chubb’s Value to the Dolphins
For Miami, Chubb’s return isn’t just good news; it’s crucial. The Dolphins have a young secondary, so the onus is on the pass rush to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. And let’s not forget, Chubb was in ferocious form before his injury, closing the 2023 season with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles—a career-high tally that underscores exactly what he brings to the table.
However, getting Chubb back in the mix wasn’t a foregone conclusion. Miami wrestled with its budget during the offseason, and given Chubb’s age and injury history, there was speculation he might be on the chopping block.
Enter Chubb’s decision to take a significant pay cut—from $19.5 million to $3.2 million in his base salary for 2025. This lowered his cap number by a jaw-dropping $16 million, making him not only a critical player but also a financially feasible one for the Dolphins.
For Chubb, the decision was straightforward. “I could have ended up learning a new system in a new city,” he explained.
“But I knew Miami was where I wanted to be. The leadership, the guys—I know we have what it takes.
There’s been a lot of doubters this offseason, but I can’t wait to prove what we’re made of.”
Teaming Up with Phillips and Robinson
Chubb is undoubtedly a cornerstone of Miami’s defensive strategy, but he’s far from alone. Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson are right there with him, forming a formidable trio.
Robinson closed his rookie year on a high note, emerging as a blossoming talent, while Phillips was delivering impressive performances before his season was cut short by injuries. He nabbed 6.5 sacks in just eight games in 2023.
Chubb beams when speaking about his defensive comrades. “Watching Chop’s growth and seeing him keep his foot on the gas after last season has been nothing short of amazing,” Chubb shared.
“And JP’s dedication to his rehab is inspiring. Even after a string of setbacks, his mindset hasn’t wavered—he remains committed to being the best.
With those two in my corner, I feel ready for anything.”
Spending extensive time together during their respective rehabs, Chubb and Phillips fostered a close bond. Phillips has faced his own injury struggles, including a torn ACL in Week 4 of last year. Thankfully, his recovery has gone well, as evidenced by his participation in offseason workouts.
Through thick and thin, the pair have supported each other, pushing through physical and mental barriers. “We worked hard on the physical, but the mental side is just as crucial. That’s where we helped each other the most—keeping spirits high and attitudes positive.”
Looking at the season ahead, Chubb is brimming with confidence about what he, Phillips, and Robinson can achieve together. While it’s easy to expect optimism from a player back in the mix, you can’t deny that a healthy Dolphins pass rush could spell trouble for any offense lining up against them.
