One of the top NFL pass rushers Sam Hubbard will likely be a cut candidate this upcoming offseason as the Bengals are looking to free up cap space. According to the source, the financial situation doesn’t look promising for Cincinnati as they have several superstars they need to extend as soon as this offseason. Trey Hendrickson won’t be waiting any longer as he made it known to pay or trade him. Meanwhile, the Bengals will have to gather as many resources together to sign Tee Higgins after the franchise tagging him and also offer wideout Ja’Marr Chase a new deal.
All signs point to the Bengals parting ways with Hubbard despite being a keystone consistent piece for the defense. Originally selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State product has the size and wrecking abilities to make an impact in the trenches after recording 38.5 sacks, five fumble recoveries and 398 total tackles throughout several seasons. Unfortunately, Hubbard had one of his worst campaigns in recent memory last season alongside Sheldon Rankins. This type of liability might not intrigue the Bengals to keep Hubbard around as if they decide to release him, they will be saving at least 9.5 million.
It’s fair to say the Bengals will need to retool their defense and keep Hendrickson in the fold as their top linebacker Germaine Pratt wants out of Cincinnati after requesting a trade. With that, Hubbard could carve out a new role with the Commanders, Saints or Chargers next season if he becomes available.
Top NFL Cut Candidate Sam Hubbard Could Be “Intriguing” for Teams – Commanders, Saints, Chargers May Be Interested
Rebuilding Washington’s Defense
The Washington Commanders had one of the more phenomenal offenses under rookie Jayden Daniels even though there wasn’t any promise the offseason prior. Zach Ertz and Terry McLaurin were the two men who drove the passing attack well for Daniels to excel in the aerial attack. However, the same energy can’t be said about the defense as they had one of the worst even though they brought in key pieces such as Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong and Bobby Wagner. All of them are free agents this offseason so this means the Commanders will be in the market to find a few capable veteran pass rushers.
Even though they have the financial freedom to get the best of the best, it should be smart for the Commanders to consider adding temporary depth. Jonathan Allen is a cut candidate and there’s no word on if Wagner will return. The Commanders should sign Sam Hubbard as a rotational defender on a cheap one-year contract to test how he could fit into the scheme.
Other Fits
Another perfect situation for the New Orleans Saints who find themselves with no salary cap to spare. Since Chase Young will leave and Cameron Jordan is a cut candidate, they should test the waters and find a one-year pass rusher. Hubbard might not provide much but it could turn into a bargain steal for the Saints.
As for the Chargers, the number one priority should be re-signing Poona Ford who had an enormous year in 2024. Khalil Mack will likely be in a uniform but the Chargers will find another superstar to fill the hole since Joey Bosa is a cut candidate. Hubbard isn’t on the elite level as he used to be, but being behind Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy, he could have something left in his soul.
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