Buffalo, New York . May 2026
The Buffalo Bills wrapped up their first week of OTAs with plenty of attention focused on the defense and several new additions.
While most veterans blended smoothly into the system, one offseason signing reportedly generated concern among evaluators observing Buffalo’s early practices.
According to reports coming out of Week 1 OTAs, one defensive newcomer struggled to consistently match the speed and intensity demanded within Jim Leonhard’s scheme.
That player was veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb, who joined Buffalo this offseason on a three-year contract worth $43.5 million.
One AFC evaluator reportedly labeled Chubb the “worst player” at Bills OTAs, not because of effort, but because of overall fit within the defensive structure.
“This defense is built around speed, burst and constant disruption. Chubb still has experience, but he doesn’t look like the ideal fit for what Buffalo is building.”
The concerns mirror criticism that surfaced immediately after the signing. Pro Football Focus previously ranked the move as Buffalo’s least-favorite free-agent addition of 2026.
Although Chubb recorded 8.5 sacks with Miami last season, advanced metrics painted a different picture of his overall effectiveness.
His 7.6 percent pass-rush win rate ranked among the lowest figures for starting edge defenders across the league.
Age has also become part of the conversation. Chubb turns 30 this year and carries a significant history of major knee injuries.
Meanwhile, Buffalo’s defense continues getting younger and faster under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s vision for the future.
The Bills invested heavily in Chubb hoping he could provide another proven pass-rushing presence opposite Greg Rousseau.
However, early OTA observations suggest some evaluators remain unconvinced that the veteran defender matches the direction of the defense.
To be fair, Week 1 practices rarely determine a player’s season, and Chubb still has months to change perceptions.
But after the opening week of OTAs, Buffalo’s most expensive defensive addition has already become one of the most debated players on the roster.
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