The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to bold moves, and with their defense struggling to find its footing, a blockbuster trade proposal could shake things up in Big D. Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame recently floated an intriguing idea: the Cowboys could acquire Miami Dolphins’ star edge rusher Bradley Chubb for a conditional fifth-round pick. This potential deal signals Dallas’ ambition to salvage their season and make a serious push for the playoffs, even after trading away superstar Micah Parsons to Green Bay earlier this year.
The Cowboys’ offense has been holding its own, keeping the team competitive despite a defense that’s been, frankly, a liability. Without significant improvement, a postseason run seems like a pipe dream for team owner Jerry Jones. Enter Bradley Chubb, a 29-year-old Pro Bowler who’s in the midst of an impressive comeback season with the Dolphins. After missing all of 2024 due to a torn ACL—the third of his career—Chubb has already notched three sacks this season, proving he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
Verderame argues that Chubb could be the missing piece for Dallas’ pass rush, which has been lackluster at best. “The Cowboys desperately need pass-rushing help, and the Dolphins have a surplus at the position,” he wrote. While Chubb may not be at his peak form, his experience and production make him a valuable asset for a team looking to turn things around.
The Miami Dolphins, sitting at a dismal 1-3, are teetering on the edge of a full-blown rebuild. If their season continues to spiral, trading veterans like Chubb could become a reality. Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun Sentinel noted that a loss to the New York Jets on Monday Night Football could push the Dolphins closer to “fire-sale mode.” He even suggested that a 1-7 record might prompt Miami to overhaul their roster, potentially parting ways with general manager Chris Grier, coach Mike McDaniel, and even quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
For the Cowboys, a floundering Dolphins season is exactly what they need. A struggling Miami team would have little reason to hold onto a veteran like Chubb, especially with his $110 million contract and injury history. While his past ACL injuries are a concern, Chubb’s current performance shows he’s still capable of making a significant impact. For Dallas, acquiring him could provide the defensive spark they’ve been missing.
The Cowboys aren’t the only team eyeing Chubb’s services. Matt Barrows of The Athletic suggested that the San Francisco 49ers could also pursue the veteran edge rusher to fill the void left by Nick Bosa’s absence. “Chubb, 29, missed all of 2024 following a torn ACL, but he already has three sacks this season. He’d provide a veteran presence,” Barrows wrote. This interest from another contender underscores Chubb’s value on the trade market and highlights the urgency for Dallas to act quickly if they want to secure his talents.
Trading for Chubb wouldn’t be without risks. His injury history is a red flag, and at 29, he’s no longer the young phenom who burst onto the scene. However, his experience, leadership, and proven production make him an attractive target for a Cowboys team desperate to shore up their defense. A conditional fifth-round pick is a relatively low price to pay for a player of Chubb’s caliber, especially if he can help Dallas make a postseason push.
For the Cowboys, this trade proposal is a statement of intent. After trading away Parsons, many doubted whether Dallas could remain a contender. But with their offense humming and a potential game-changer like Chubb in the fold, the Cowboys could rewrite the narrative and prove they’re still a force to be reckoned with.
The ball is in Miami’s court. If the Dolphins’ season continues to unravel, the Cowboys need to be ready to pounce. A player like Chubb doesn’t come cheap, but his addition could transform Dallas’ defense and keep their playoff hopes alive. For now, Cowboys fans will be rooting for Miami to keep losing—not out of spite, but because it might just land them the Pro Bowler they need to tear up the script and make a run for the postseason.