'A great fit' | Why OLB Bradley Chubb is ready to win with Buffalo

Mar 13, 2026 at 09:34 AM

Maddy Glab

Team Reporter

Free Agency Day 1, March 12, 2026 at Buffalo Bills Training Center.

Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Bills on Thursday morning. Chubb, who enters his ninth NFL season, wanted his next stop to be with a team that's a contender.

He knows about Buffalo's winning culture more than most because he had to play against the Bills for four years (2022-25) when he was with the Dolphins.

"Being in the division the past few years, you saw the dominance of the Bills and the culture of winning, all the things they pride themselves on," Chubb said. "And I feel like it will be a great fit for myself with where I am in my career. (I'm) trying to win, trying to get to that next level and this team is trying to do the same thing as well."

Chubb said he weighed different teams and opportunities with his agent but ultimately chose Buffalo because of how close they are to getting it done. Coming from Miami, Chubb saw first-hand how the Bills consistently won the close games.

"Down in Florida, we would have some close games, but it's about how close these guys are, how they just know how to win and pull out those close games," Chubb shared. "And I feel like that's what it takes to get to the big stage. And (add a) few pieces, and I feel like I'm one of those pieces to help us get over the hump."

The veteran pass rusher recorded 19.5 sacks in his last two healthy seasons (2023 and 2025). He's known for his relentless effort, power and strong hands.

Chubb is hoping in 2026, he can continue to build off his 2025 season where he was a year removed from an ACL injury and registered eight and a half sacks.

"I just have a lot to prove to myself and a lot of people," Chubb said. "At the end of the day I feel like, it's a lot of sacks (48 in his career) but I haven't scratched the surface of what I can do. I was unfortunate to have a couple of injuries, but I feel like those propel me to be where I am now and have that mindset going into year nine. Trying to be the best version of myself with still a lot left in the tank."

In terms of sack numbers this season, Chubb is going after his career high.

"I want to beat my career high right now, which is 12," Chubb explained. "I want to get over that. And I'm going to work every day tirelessly in order to do that."

Coming to Buffalo with a new head coach in Joe Brady and a new defensive coordinator in Jim Leonhard, Chubb believes he'll fit great in their 3-4 defense. It's a defense he played in at Miami and Denver.

Vance Joseph was the head coach in Denver when Chubb was a rookie in 2018. After a stop with the Cardinals, Joseph has been the defensive coordinator for the Broncos since 2023. New Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was on Joseph's from 2024-25. Chubb believes this familiarity will help him in Leonhard's defense.

"It's kind of a match made in heaven. That's kind of what I came into the league doing, and I had success doing my first year," Chubb explained. "So, I'm excited to get back into the system. I know he's going to have his tweaks and do different things to it, but what he preached to me … getting after the quarterback, making sure we're covered in the backend, making sure we're upfront, wreaking havoc, and playing good team defense."