Approaching the trade deadline, it was no secret that the Dolphins were looking to add another pass rusher. Following Week 8 they ranked way down in 22nd in adjusted sack rate. Their inability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks has also put a tonne of pressure on their secondary and is a key reason they sit way down at 29th in passing DVOA. With that in mind they made a splash move on deadline day for Denver’s Bradley Chubb. Here’s a quick breakdown of how each team fared in the trade.
| Dolphins receive | Broncos receive |
| Bradley Chubb | 2023 1st round pick (from SF) |
| 2025 5th round pick | 2024 4th round pick |
| Chase Edmonds |
Miami Dolphins grade: B-
If there is one thing this move says, it is that the Dolphins think they are in a Super Bowl window. This was a statement move from Miami’s front office to add more talent to this defensive front in the hope that it puts the team over the line. They certainly need that help too. Their inability to consistently rush the passer has proven to be a major limiting factor to the defense this year, which ranks way down at 29th in passing DVOA.
The big questions facing the Dolphins after this trade is whether Chubb is the right guy and whether they paid the right price. On the talent front there is little doubt. Chubb has been a productive pass rusher whenever he’s had playing time and he already has 26 pressures so far this season. My worry is the price they paid to get him. Giving up a first round pick for Chubb certainly seems rather rich.
That is especially true when you factor in that they will be over a barrel with salary negotiations. Chubb hits free agency next summer and Miami have painted themselves into a corner. They have to extend him, otherwise they will have forked out a first round pick for a half-season rental. With that in mind, I’m just not sure he adds enough to warrant a blockbuster contract.
Denver Broncos grade: A
This feels like a very savvy move from Denver. Their trade for Russell Wilson over the summer sapped them of draft capital. That might have made sense when they thought Wilson was the missing piece in a Super Bowl roster, but this season it is obvious the team needs more help. Getting a first round pick in the upcoming draft is invaluable. Prior this trade their first pick would have been in the third.
Chubb is certainly a good player, and he will be missed. That said, the Broncos have Randy Gregory, who they paid big money to over the offseason. They also have Baron Browning, who has flashed a tonne of potential in limited opportunities this season. Denver’s pass rush should remain solid and now they don’t need to worry about paying another big-name edge rusher next summer when Chubb’s deal is up.
The addition of Chase Edmonds is also worth touching on. He has been more than a little underwhelming for the Dolphins this season, but he has shown in the past that he is capable of producing to a high level. He adds some youth to this Denver backfield and gives the team the additional weapon they need with Javonte Williams on IR.
