The Miami Dolphins are eliminated from playoff contention, and while Mike McDaniel faces an uncertain future, Tyreek Hill might be cut, and Tua Tagovailoa isn't long for the roster, they have a few core pieces.
Jaylen Waddle is incredible, and De'Von Achane is one of the best running backs in the league. But one of the more important players is veteran center Aaron Brewer, who received some very lofty praise from ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell.
Barnwell compared Brewer to future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce amid his personal anointing of Brewer as the first recipient of the NFL's Protector of the Year award.
Dolphins' Aaron Brewer earns NFL honor from ESPN analyst amid Jason Kelce comp
"Brewer is the closest active player to what Jason Kelce was at his peak for the Eagles: an athletic, undersized center who opens up all kinds of possibilities for what the Dolphins can do with their rushing attack," Barnwell writes.
The Dolphins center received some very high praise. Peak Kelce was one of the best centers in NFL history, and Barnwell's comparison to him is a huge compliment for Brewer.
After four years with the Tennessee Titans, Brewer signed a free agent deal with the Dolphins, and while he was solid in 2024, his 2025 season has been the breakout year for the undrafted free agent.
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Brewer is now going to be in the final year of his three-year, $21 million deal with the Dolphins. The new general manager should extend Brewer the first chance they get, as he's one of the best linemen in the NFL.
Barnwell has Brewer as the NFL's inaugural Protector of the Year award winner for his breakout season as one of, if not the best, centers in the NFL.
As Barnwell writes," He's not a household name, and he isn't on a team anybody wanted to watch for most of the season, but Brewer had a special year."
It's well-deserved praise for Brewer, and a cool honor for the Dolphins center to be recognized by an ESPN analyst for his incredible 2025 season with Miami.
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