Feb. 28, 2026, 8:31 a.m. ET<\/p>\n
ESPN analyst\u00a0Aaron Schatz<\/a>\u00a0is projecting that the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> make a splash in free agency, signing defensive end Bradley Chubb.<\/p>\n “The Dolphins<\/a>\u00a0cut Chubb<\/a>\u00a0to clear money off their salary cap, but he is still just 30 years old,” wrote Schatz. “He had 8.5 sacks last season with 36 pressures.”<\/p>\n Chubb was the fifth overall pick by Denver in the 2018 NFL draft. He was named a Pro Bowler in\u00a02020 and 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\n He has spent the last three-plus seasons with the Dolphins after being traded to Miami in 2022.<\/p>\n Chubb missed the 2024 season due to an ACL injury, but this past year, he played nearly 800 defensive snaps, logging 48 pressures and eight sacks,\u00a0according to PFF<\/a>. Those 48 pressures were tied for 28th among his position group.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n His most productive season came in 2023, when Chubb recorded 70 quarterback pressures.<\/p>\n Defensive end is the biggest need that the Colts<\/a> have to address this offseason. There was too much inconsistency when it came to getting after the quarterback, as evidenced by the Colts’ ranking 30th in ESPN’s<\/a> pass rush win rate metric.<\/p>\n In addition to that, Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Tyquan Lewis are all free agents.<\/p>\n After the season, GM Chris Ballard said that “more fuel” was needed up front, referencing the pass rush. At the NFL combine, Ballard said<\/a> that the front seven would be prioritized.<\/p>\n