The Foundation of the Miami Dolphins

The Foundation of the Miami Dolphins

The foundation of the Miami Dolphins has been set; they just need to decorate the rooms. It is a new day. Jon Eric Sullivan made the right decision in extending the stars of the team. De’Von Achane, Jordyn Brooks, and Aaron Brewer are now secured for the 4 coming seasons. Zach Sieler is also under contract, along with hopeful franchise quarterback Malik Willis. The real question is: Does Miami have anyone else worth keeping around?

The short version of this answer is yes, of course. It would be really hard to find a team across the league with fewer than 5 players who should be kept around long term. The Cardinals have the likes of Trey McBride; the Jets have Garrett Wilson.

The Dolphins have a lot of intriguing pieces that will be part of this rebuild. For starters, left tackle Patrick Paul will be eligible for an extension after this season. He is entering his third year after being selected in round 2 by the Chris Grier-led front office. Steadily improving week after week, Paul will likely be cashing in next offseason if he keeps it up. Wide receiver Malik Washington is an interesting player. He is also entering his third year in the league and is slated for his largest role yet.

No matter what type of season he has, it is hard to envision him earning a top-dollar contract extension on a yearly average basis for wideouts. With respect to his play style and career trajectory, Washington has a chance to prove he is a consistent starter at the NFL level and earn an early extension.

Other offensive players such as tight end Greg Dulcich and Austin Jackson are on small deals, needing to further prove themselves before getting paid by the new regime.

The defensive side of the ball truly is the land of misfits. 1 year veteran minimum deals plague the pages. Chop Robinson is entering year 3 of his rookie deal and is looking to prove himself to the team and have Jon Eric Sullivan pick up his 5th-year option after the 2026 campaign.

His rookie year showed so much promise, but a very disappointing 2025 has fans mulling over their true feelings on Chop. Cornerback JuJu Brents may have been Chris Grier’s final gift to the organization.

He was claimed ahead of the 2026 season after being waived by the Indianapolis Colts. Injuries have plagued his career, but entering the final year of his rookie deal, Brents is in line for some real playing time under Jeff Hafley. There is a chance he has a very solid season and can earn an extension with the team.

Being honest, though, none of these players will earn premier talent money. Miami has already locked in their bona fide studs for the next few seasons. They will look for their 2025 and 2026 draft classes to make a big splash, but none of them have played enough to secure themselves as stars in the eyes of fans.

No matter how the team plays in 2026, they are also slated to have 9 selections in the 2027 draft. The pillars have been built; Miami just needs to start making the interior and exterior function as much.