Projecting Jordyn Brooks and Aaron Brewer’s Next Dolphins Deals

Projecting Jordyn Brooks and Aaron Brewer’s Next Dolphins Deals

This week, the Miami Dolphins demonstrated their commitment to securing key players by agreeing to a significant extension with running back De’Von Achane. This move shows that the new leadership under GM Jon-Eric Sullivan isn’t hesitant to reward foundational talent.

With that move now done, focus will soon turn to two players entering the final year of their contracts: linebacker Jordyn Brooks and center Aaron Brewer.

Both players have become essential parts of Miami’s roster, and recent reports indicate Brooks, in particular, might already be up for an extension soon.

The question isn’t whether Miami should extend them.

So, what will those two contracts actually look like?

Jordyn Brooks Might Be Facing a Significant Pay Increase

When Brooks signed with Miami in 2024, his contract was seen as a fair-market deal: three years, totaling about $26.25 million.

He’s definitely outperformed that contract.

Brooks has clearly established himself as Miami’s defensive leader and ranks among the NFL’s most productive linebackers.

He wrapped up 2025 as the league leader in tackles.

That type of production changes everything.

The off-ball linebacker market has changed dramatically.

Top players at that position are earning between $18 and $22 million per year, while high-level starters typically make $14 to $17 million annually.

Brooks might not quite reach the top of that market, but he has a strong case for placing just below it.

Projection:

4 years — $64 million
Average Annual Value: $16 million
Guaranteed: $35 to $40 million

That structure would nearly double Brooks’ previous annual salary while keeping him among the NFL’s higher-paid linebackers without resetting the market.

The Dolphins would also likely structure the deal with a larger signing bonus and lower Year 1 cap hit to preserve flexibility.

The timing makes sense, too.

Miami has already reportedly shown little interest in moving Brooks despite outside trade inquiries.

You don’t turn down trade interest for a player you aren’t planning to build around.

Aaron Brewer May Quietly Be One of Miami’s Most Important Players

Centers rarely receive headlines.

They also rarely receive enough credit.

Brewer arrived in Miami on a three-year, $21 million deal and immediately stabilized one of the franchise’s weakest positions.

The Dolphins have since restructured his contract, a sign that the team sees him as part of its long-term plans.

Recent discussion about Brewer has only strengthened the view that Miami sees him as a foundational piece of the future.

The center market is interesting because it has quietly exploded.

High-end centers are now entering the $13–18 million annual range, and if Brewer’s level of play justifies his extension be in that ballpark.

Projection:

4 years — $56 million
Average Annual Value: $14 million
Guaranteed: $28–32 million

That number may surprise fans initially.

But quality offensive line play has become increasingly difficult to find, and Miami has struggled for years to build one.

Letting Brewer hit free agency could create a much bigger problem than paying him now.

Which Deal Happens First?

If there were a bet to make, Brooks feels like the safer prediction.

ESPN recently identified him as someone to watch after Miami completed the Achane extension.

Brooks also carries leadership value beyond statistics. Teams undergoing transitions often prioritize veteran voices, and with Miami turning over major parts of its roster, Brooks checks all the boxes.

Brewer may take longer.

Centers traditionally do not receive the same urgency for extensions as impact defenders or skill players.

But make no mistake: both players fit the profile of foundational pieces.

And if the Dolphins truly are entering a new era under Jon-Eric Sullivan, rewarding core veterans before they reach free agency may become standard operating procedure.

The Achane deal may have only been the beginning.