MIAMI GARDENS — When the Dolphins were battling culture problems in 2024, and when they were struggling to find leadership and high-quality play in 2025, two players rose to meet the challenge — center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

The Dolphins should extend both of their contracts as soon as possible.

They are both in the final year of their contracts and are necessary personnel for the Dolphins’ rebuild.

It’s understood that general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley have more pressing matters (quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, managing the salary cap, free agency and the draft, among others). 

But Brooks, the six-year veteran and 2025 first-team All Pro, and Brewer, the six-year veteran and 2025 second-team All Pro, are prototypes for what the Dolphins need.

By the way, allow me to qualify the statement about extending their contracts.

The Dolphins need to extend both of their contracts, if that’s what Brewer and Brooks desire.

The Dolphins are clearly undergoing a rebuild.

We knew nine months ago that 2026 would be a rebuilding year.

Sometimes veterans don’t want to be part of a rebuild.

And the rebuilding Dolphins might offer less-than-ideal contracts to the pair of 28-year-old veterans.

Still, it’d be multi-year financial security, and that’s something every 28-year-old, six-year veteran desires.

Plus, they fit the mold of what Sullivan and Hafley are seeking.

Go beyond the numbers.

Yes, Brooks led the league in tackles last season with 183. 

Yes, Brewer played all 1,138 offensive snaps in 2024, and played 916 snaps in 16 games in 2025.

This is about character and tone-setting.

I’ve referenced the Dolphins’ lack of toughness and aggression several times during the last few years. 

Brooks and Brewer emerged as part of the solution soon after they joined the Dolphins in 2024.

They bring an attitude, intensity and high-quality play. They also exemplify being tough in the trenches.

Almost as important as anything else, Brooks and Brewer are genuine. 

I wrote about Brooks’ faith two years ago because it’s genuine. 

Brooks, perhaps the most aggressive player on the team, speaks his mind on topics such as the Dolphins playing soft against Green Bay or wide receiver Tyreek Hill not owing the team an apology after his infamous “I’m out” rant following the 2024 season finale.

I asked four other players whether they thought the Dolphins played soft against Green Bay and they said no. 

And Tua was among the numerous Dolphins players who said Tyreek owed the team an apology.

Brooks doesn’t follow the crowd.

When it comes to Brewer, I liked him on the introductory Zoom session with the media in 2024 when he was asked to describe his game.

“I’m headhunting out there,” he said, “so if I can get my hands on you, I’m on you until I hear the whistle.”

Brewer, who rivals Brooks for the title of most aggressive player on the team, has lived up to that statement.

You routinely see his mauling style yards beyond the line of scrimmage. You see the agility, the athleticism.

Brooks and Brewer are also among the most intelligent and honest players on the team.

Brooks and Brewer are two of the players I go to when I want to know what’s going on with the team. There are others like Alec Ingold, Zach Sieler, Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson. Recently-released edge rusher Bradley Chubb was also on that list.

But, clearly, Sullivan and Hafley have a tough job. 

Running back De’Von Achane, who is also in the final year of his contract, is a class act and also deserves an extension.

It’s possible that Brooks, Brewer and Achane all get extended if you consider the Dolphins plan to do the bulk of their building through the draft, not free agency.

But when it comes to the 2027 Dolphins roster and whose current contracts should be extended to ensure they’re on the team in two years, I’d prioritize Brooks and Brewer over all others.