Dolphins Poised to Make Game-Changing Moves with Key Player Extensions—What It Means for Their Future

Change is in the air for the Miami Dolphins as they gear up for a new era starting in 2026, headed by fresh faces in the front office—GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. But despite the shifts behind the scenes, it turns out there are a handful of players the franchise isn’t ready to part ways with anytime soon. ESPN’s Dan Graziano spilled the beans from the NFL Scouting Combine buzz: the Dolphins are planning to lock down running back De’Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks with new contracts, while already banking on wide receiver Jaylen Waddle as a cornerstone moving forward. If you’re curious about what this means for Miami’s future and how it might shape their quest to reclaim NFL prominence, you’ll definitely want to dive deeper. LEARN MORE

The Miami Dolphins are going to look much different under the leadership of new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley in 2026 and beyond. However, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN, the organization plans to keep four core players in the team’s plans for many years to come.

On Sunday, Graziano published an article on ESPN’s website discussing the rumors he’s heard while at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week. Regarding the Dolphins, he said that fans should “expect” the team to work on contract extensions for running back De’Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks. He also mentioned that the team views wide receiver Jaylen Waddle as a building-block for the future as well.

“Expect the Dolphins to work on extensions this offseason for running back De’Von Achane , center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks . Miami is under new management and likely entering something of a rebuild. But along with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle , the Dolphins view those three as core players and moving forward. Waddle is already signed long term, but the other three are free agents in 2027.”

While trade rumors have been running rampant this time of year — especially regarding Achane and Waddle — it doesn’t sound liked Sullivan or Hafley is interested in moving on from Miami’s “core four.” If the organization can stabilize the quarterback position, having electric weapons, stout protectors and tenacious defenders will go a long way towards returning the Dolphins to the upper echelon of franchises in the National Football League.