The Dolphins' tanking strategy opens the door for a Chargers offensive line shake-up. Brewer could be the versatile piece they need.
Okay, hear me out.
It was over a month ago that I wrote that the Los Angeles Chargers should look into trading for Miami Dolphins All-Pro center Aaron Brewer. Having proven himself as one of the best centers in the league, and with so much familiarity and experience in Mike McDaniel's offense, it felt like a hand-in-glove fit for the opening the Chargers had at center.
Three days later, the Chargers signed former Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz and it felt like that was going to be their answer instead. I gave up on the Aaron Brewer dream.
However, a couple of interesting things have happened since then.
One, the Chargers have left a wide open gap at the starting spot at right guard (and that's assuming they trust Cole Strange as the team's starting left guard).
Two, the Miami Dolphins appear to be all-in on tanking this season to get the highest possible draft pick in 2027. Many (and by that I mean most) of the starters on the Dolphins depth chart would be considers backups at best on other teams. Their #1 WR is Malik Washington, who is also slated to be the team's main punt returner and kick returner. He started six games last year and three games his rookie season. Nothing about his stats say that he's ready to take advantage of this opportunity.
Even their contract with Malik Willis, a career backup QB being given a chance to start, is very clearly written to save the team money if they cut him before the 2028 NFL season.
Do not be surprised if, between now and the start of the NFL season (or the NFL trading deadline), the Dolphins trade away everything that isn't nailed down. That includes Aaron Brewer.
It's hard to figure out if Brewer has started more games at center or guard over his six-year NFL career (he was, ironically, teammates with Malik Willis on the Tennessee Titans before joining the Miami Dolphins), but it's definitely close. The same can not be said for Biadasz, who has been a center since entering the league.
If the Chargers were able to wrestle Brewer away from the Dolphins, which FOX Sports' Ralph Vacchiano thinks would only take a 2nd and 4th round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they would find themselves well equipped at every starting spot along their offensive line with a good backup plan for each one of them. Brewer could slide in as the team's starting right guard and work as the emergency center in the case of an injury to Biadasz.
If the Dolphins are trying to tank and know that they likely won't re-sign Brewer after this season (when he is due to hit free agency), they might be willing to accept an offer of two pretty valuable draft picks in exchange for him.
I love it. I don't know how realistic the idea is, but I love it. I hope it happens.