TheMiami Dolphins have been busy during the offseason, making cost-effective changes and going young. This is what makes ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz think that linebackerJordyn Brooks can turn out to be the most valuable trade piece for the Dolphins ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Brooks is heading into the last year of his three-year, $26.25 million contract, but even though the Dolphins have referred to him as a foundational player, Schatz was unsure if it made sense for the team to hang on to an established star player on an expiring contract.
Aaron Schatz Suggests Dolphins Should Think About Trading Jordyn Brooks to the Bengals or Cowboys
Dec 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) jumps over safety Jordan Poyer (21) and New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Brooks had his best season ever in 2025. The 28-year-old finished the season as the leading tackler in the NFL with 183 total tackles and added 3.5 sacks along with a first-team All-Pro selection.
That production makes him an easy player to keep around. It also makes him one of the Dolphins’ few remaining assets capable of bringing back meaningful draft capital.
“Is there any point in the Dolphins keeping good players if their contracts end after the 2026 season? Brooks could possibly re-sign with Miami to be part of the rebuild. But he’s likely gone, so the Dolphins should get something for him… He would be a useful addition for a team with a contending-quality offense but also a need at linebacker, perhaps the Bengals or Cowboys.”
🗞 Aaron Schatz of ESPN believes the Miami Dolphins should trade LB Jordyn Brooks:
"Is there any point in the Dolphins keeping good players if their contracts end after the 2026 season? Brooks could possibly re-sign with Miami to be part of the rebuild. But he's likely gone, so… pic.twitter.com/Z0IwqwvMHg
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) June 20, 2026
Schatz’s argument is rooted in timing. The team has already shipped out several of its star performers this offseason and continues to seek financial flexibility.
Brooks would save the team about $8M in cap space and could add a second-day draft pick as compensation. Both of those teams are playoff contenders with explosive offenses, but some weaknesses at linebacker.
However, the Dolphins seem intent on letting everyone know that Brooks will be a part of their team in the future.
The team’s general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, has continued to call Brooks a cornerstone player, and the leadership he brings to the team is priceless, given the many young players.
This puts the Dolphins in a tough spot, where a decision must be made.
Should they think that Brooks can be a valuable asset in the future, then they should consider extending him. But if they think the rebuilding process will take longer, they should try to make some money.