Bills’ Top Free Agent Signing Dominating Ahead of 2026
Can Bradley Chubb Finally Solve the Bills’ Pass Rush Puzzle?
TL;DR: The Buffalo Bills have struggled for years to find a reliable pass rusher who can finish games. After short stints with Von Miller and Joey Bosa, they’ve now signed Bradley Chubb to a three-year deal. He’s talented but injury-prone. If he stays healthy, experts say this could be an A+ move for Buffalo.
The Bills’ Long-Standing Problem: No Consistent Pass Rusher
Imagine a football team is like a castle. The quarterback is the king inside. A pass rusher is the knight trying to break down the door to capture the king before he can throw the ball.
For a long time, the Buffalo Bills have had a "leaky door" problem—they haven’t had a knight who consistently breaks through when it matters most, especially in the fourth quarter.
A Tale of Two Veterans: Miller and Bosa
The Bills have tried to fix this by signing big-name veterans recently. Here’s how it went:
1. Von Miller (Signed 2022)
- The Hype: Fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Rams, Miller got a six-year deal.
- The Reality: He tore his ACL on Thanksgiving 2022 and was never the same player.
- The End: Played only three seasons in Buffalo, then moved to the Commanders and recently signed with the Cowboys.
2. Joey Bosa (Signed 2025 Offseason)
- The Deal: One-year contract.
- The Good: Led the league with 5 forced fumbles (knocking the ball loose).
- The Bad: Pass rush faded late in the season and playoffs; struggled against the run.
- The End: Contract expired, still unsigned as of now.
Key Takeaway: Both were short-term fixes that didn’t last. The Bills needed stability and production.
Enter Bradley Chubb: The New Hope
In the 2025 offseason, the Bills signed Bradley Chubb to a three-year deal. He’s no stranger to the division—he played for the Miami Dolphins (AFC East rivals) since 2022.
Why Chubb? Why Now?
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | Former top-5 draft pick, been in AFC East since 2022 |
| Scheme Fit | Paired with defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard—a system that suits Chubb’s strengths |
| Contract | Three years = stability without a decade-long commitment |
| Leadership | Praised for strong offseason practices and veteran presence |
The Good: Elite Production When Healthy
When Chubb is on the field, he’s one of the league’s best pass rushers.
Stats Alert: Combining his 2023 and 2025 seasons, Chubb has 19.5 sacks and 8 forced fumbles. That’s elite-level disruption.
What is a sack?
When a defender tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw. It kills drives and changes games.
What is a forced fumble?
Knocking the ball out of an offensive player’s hands—creating a turnover opportunity.
The Risk: Injury History (The "Knock" on Chubb)
Important Callout: Chubb’s biggest challenge isn’t talent—it’s availability.
| Year | Injury | Games Missed |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Torn ACL | 12 games (played only 4) |
| Late 2023 | Torn ACL (again) | Rest of 2023 + all of 2024 |
He’s 30 years old and coming off a year completely missed. Durability is the question mark.
Expert Verdict: "A+ Signing" — Bleacher Report
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report re-graded NFL free agency signings after preseason and gave the Chubb signing an "A+".
"This one remains somewhat under the radar. Coming off a torn ACL that cost him all of 2024, Chubb had 8.5 sacks while getting reacclimated in 2025. The 30-year-old former top-five pick could easily return to a Pro Bowl level in a new, winning environment. He’s looked stellar thus far this offseason."
— Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report
What Needs to Happen for This to Work?
A simple checklist for Chubb’s success in Buffalo:
- Stay Healthy – No more ACL tears. Manage workload smartly.
- Keep Rushing the Passer – Translate practice performance to game days.
- Set the Edge vs. Run – Improve run defense (where Bosa struggled).
- Lead the Room – Mentor younger pass rushers (like Greg Rousseau).
- Finish Games – Be the closer the Bills have missed for years.
Summary
- The Bills have cycled through Von Miller (injured) and Joey Bosa (one-and-done) trying to fix their pass rush.
- Bradley Chubb signs a 3-year deal—offering stability and scheme fit under DC Jim Leonhard.
- Upside: 19.5 sacks + 8 forced fumbles in two healthy-ish seasons. Bleacher Report says A+.
- Risk: Two ACL tears (2019, 2023), missed all of 2024. Age 30.
- Bottom Line: If Chubb stays on the field, he can be the game-wrecker Buffalo has craved. The setup is perfect—now it’s up to him.
FAQ
1. Who is Bradley Chubb?
A veteran NFL edge rusher (defensive end/outside linebacker), drafted 5th overall in 2018. He’s played for Denver, Miami, and now Buffalo. Two-time Pro Bowler when healthy.
2. What’s an ACL tear and why is it a big deal?
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) stabilizes your knee. Tears require surgery and 9–12+ months of rehab. Two tears in one career is a major red flag for durability.
3. Why did the Bills only give Chubb three years?
It balances commitment (they believe in him) with flexibility (they’re not locked in if injuries return). Smart cap management.
4. Who is Jim Leonhard and why does he matter?
The Bills’ new defensive coordinator. Known for creative, aggressive schemes that free up pass rushers. Chubb thrived in similar systems before.
5. What does "A+ grade" actually mean?
It means analysts believe the Bills got elite value for the cost—high upside, low risk relative to contract, and great scheme fit. It’s a "steal" if Chubb stays healthy.
Final Thought: The Bills finally have a plan, a scheme, and a player with the tools to solve the pass rush riddle. Now we watch—and hope the knee holds up.