The Atlanta Falcons are still dealing with the aftermath of James Pearce Jr.'s arrest, and while there has been no official update on his playing status for 2026, the rookie is facing five felonies charges and a probable suspension before he takes the field again.
As the Falcons prepare for the start of NFL free agency, they should be looking for a temporary replacement for Pearce at the very least. One potential replacement for Atlanta's Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist just became available.
The Miami Dolphins released veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb on Monday in an effort to free up some salary cap space before the new league year begins next month.
Chubb, 29, is a two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher who has recorded 48 sacks and 15 forced fumbles since being drafted fifth overall by the Denver Broncos in 2018. As a rookie, Chubb finished with 12 sacks -- a mark that he has yet to top in the seven years that followed.
The N.C. State product had the second-best season of his career in 2023 when he racked up 11 sacks. Chubb missed all of the 2024 season due to a torn ACL, but he bounced back with an 8.5-sack season in 2025.
The Dolphins also cut wide receiver Tyreek Hill and offensive lineman James Daniels. These moves, along with the release of receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, freed up over $50 million in cap space for Miami in 2026.
Releasing Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, James Daniels and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine clears $66.98 million and over $56 million in 2026 cap space. One or more could be held until March 11 for additional cap savings. Roster reset underway in Miami. https://t.co/O8Lan2FMSy
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 16, 2026
Aside from Chubb, Falcons fans probably wouldn't mind seeing Tyreek Hill come to Atlanta in 2026. The speedy wideout is one of the most dominant players in the NFL when healthy, and the Falcons need help at the wide receiver position.
We'll have to wait and see what general manager Ian Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski have up their sleeves when free agency rolls around in March.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Could Bradley Chubb replace James Pearce?