The Miami Dolphins‘ 2025 season didn’t exactly go to plan, with Tua Tagovailoa struggling mightily all year, the defense being in the bottom half of the league, and their rookies not being the impact starters that other rookies were around the league.

But, it wasn’t all negative. De’Von Achane was a superstar, Jaylen Waddle looks great, but most importantly, the Dolphins found their new franchise center in Aaron Brewer.

And his big breakout this season was recognized by the NFL, as, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Brewer was named a finalist for the NFL’s new Protector of the Year Award to commemorate offensive linemen.

Dolphins’ Aaron Brewer named best OL finalist

“The nominees for the NFL’s first Protector of the Year award, via league sources: Broncos OT Garrett Bolles, Dolphins C Aaron Brewer, Chiefs C Creeed Humphrey, Broncos OG Quinn Meinerz, Bears OG Joe Thuney, Lions OT Penei Sewell,” Fowler revealed.

All of these offensive linemen are worthy of awards this season, and for Brewer, the nod is a testament to how great he was this season.

The other nominees came from playoff teams, or in the Chiefs’ case, a team that’s always in the spotlight due to Patrick Mahomes. Sewell has also been one of the best linemen in the NFL for years now, so his inclusion is hardly a surprise.

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Brewer getting recognition among this group is some incredible news for the veteran center. This was his sixth season in the NFL, and he broke out in a major way, earning second-team All-Pro.

Getting a finalist nod is already a huge accomplishment for Brewer, but how likely is he to win the award? ESPN’s Ben Solak wrote, “But the most impactful offensive lineman I watched this season was Brewer. Believe that very strongly.”

That’s some high praise from Solak, and a testament to how impactful Brewer was this season. While he might not win the award, as the other candidates were great this past season, Brewer does have a case for the award.

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