MIAMI GARDENS \u2014 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 \u2014 center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks.<\/p>\n
The Dolphins should extend both of their contracts as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
They are both in the final year of their contracts and are necessary personnel for the Dolphins\u2019 rebuild<\/a>.<\/p>\n It\u2019s understood that general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley<\/a> have more pressing matters (quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, managing the salary cap, free agency and the draft, among others).\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n By the way, allow me to qualify the statement about extending their contracts.<\/p>\n The Dolphins need to extend both of their contracts, if that\u2019s what Brewer and Brooks desire.<\/p>\n The Dolphins are clearly undergoing a rebuild<\/a>.<\/p>\n We knew nine months ago<\/a> that 2026 would be a rebuilding year.<\/p>\n Sometimes veterans don\u2019t want to be part of a rebuild.<\/p>\n And the rebuilding Dolphins might offer less-than-ideal contracts to the pair of 28-year-old veterans.<\/p>\n Still, it\u2019d be multi-year financial security, and that\u2019s something every 28-year-old, six-year veteran desires.<\/p>\n Plus, they fit the mold of what Sullivan and Hafley are seeking.<\/p>\n Go beyond the numbers.<\/p>\n Yes, Brooks led the league in tackles last season with 183.\u00a0<\/p>\n Yes, Brewer played all 1,138 offensive snaps in 2024, and played 916 snaps in 16 games in 2025.<\/p>\n This is about character and tone-setting.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve referenced the Dolphins\u2019 lack of toughness and aggression several times during the last few years.\u00a0<\/p>\n Brooks and Brewer emerged as part of the solution<\/a>\u00a0soon after they joined the Dolphins in 2024.<\/p>\n They bring an attitude, intensity and high-quality play. They also exemplify being tough in the trenches.<\/p>\n Almost as important as anything else, Brooks and Brewer are genuine.\u00a0<\/p>\n