Key Extensions The Dolphins Should Make

As the Miami Dolphins gear up for training camp starting July 26th, there’s still critical business to handle—namely, adding talent and depth to the roster and extending some core players. These aren’t just feel-good moves to keep the locker room happy; they’re essential steps that could strengthen the team, reward production, and even open up some cap flexibility ahead of the final wave of free agency.

First and foremost, Zach Sieler needs to be extended—no ifs, ands, or buts. Since arriving in Miami, Sieler has been a model of consistency and effort. He’s a disruptive force on the defensive line and arguably one of the most underrated interior defenders in the NFL. Despite performing at a borderline top-10 level among defensive tackles, he remains severely underpaid. The Dolphins simply cannot afford to let a leader and playmaker like Sieler feel undervalued, especially when he’s significantly outperformed his current contract.

Next up is Jonnu Smith, who arrived in Miami with modest expectations and quickly proved to be a valuable weapon in the offense. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch makes him a perfect fit in Mike McDaniel’s system. At 29, Smith is approaching the final window of his career to secure a meaningful payday, and he’s likely looking for guaranteed money beyond a single season. If Miami is smart, they’ll find a way to keep him in aqua and orange. Not only has he expressed a desire to stay, but his skill set adds a unique dimension to the offense that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Ideally, the Dolphins would also extend Jordyn Brooks, who has been a steady, dependable presence in the linebacker corps. While not the flashiest name on the roster, Brooks is a true gamer—a physical force on Sundays and a respected voice in the locker room. Rewarding that kind of leadership would go a long way in maintaining the team’s culture and competitiveness.

As mentioned, making these extensions now isn’t just about stability—it could also free up cap space, giving general manager Chris Grier more flexibility to address lingering needs before the season kicks off. That could include reinforcements in the secondary or much-needed depth along the offensive line.

These moves would also help lay the foundation for the culture that Mike McDaniel is trying to build, rebuild, or maintain. These are the leaders you want guiding the rookies and setting the standard of professionalism. Last year, the team empowered the wrong voices, and it’s coming back to bite them. Now, they need a complete 180 if there’s any hope for substantial change in the 2025 season.