Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley spoke about the importance and messaging that extending players sends.
The Miami Dolphins organization changed in a very significant way, as Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley took over as general manager and head coach, respectively. The pair have also been in agreement on the "pillars" that the team has, which are running back De'Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
All three received an extension, and the messaging and importance of that is something that Hafley pointed out during media availability on Tuesday.
"I think it sends a really positive message," Hafley said. "I think Sully did a really nice job, the timing of it, the communication of it. One, production: if you are here and you do a really good job on the field; two, you do things the right way, you're a good teammate, you're a good person, you make good decisions on and off the field, you'll be rewarded. I think its a clear very good message to send younger players on this team that if those things happen, there is a good chance we will take care of them."
Achane was the first player to be extended in May, as he secured a four-year, $64 million contract extension. At $16 million per season, he is now the third-highest-paid running back in the league.
Brewer followed with his own deal in June, as the Dolphins awarded him a three-year, $52.5 million contract. His $17.5 million per season also places him third among all centers.
Brooks was the final one to receive a deal, which happened in July. The NFL's leading tackler received a three-year, $51.3 million extension, making him the sixth-highest-paid linebacker.
Achane led the league with 5.7 yards per carry in 2025, Brewer was nominated as Protector of the Year along with being the top-rated center on Pro Football Focus, and Brooks led the NFL with 183 total tackles.
Young players aspiring to get to their level and receive their own deals can only strengthen the roster in a meaningful way.
Miami quarterback Malik Willis also confirmed that the deals "lit a fire in the locker room" when they found out that Achane, Brewer, and Brooks got their extensions.
There are also 13 draft picks who are now playing in their first season in South Florida, and seeing players rewarded is likely to push them to play harder so they can also become cornerstones for the organization.
The Dolphins are officially reporting to training camp and will engage in practice. This will give Hafley and the rest of the coaching staff the chance to see where players are at.
There is an expectation that this roster can outperform its current predictions, and those extensions may be a big reason why players buy into Hafley and his leadership now and for the future.
