Dolphins’ ‘three pillars’ signed; who is next?

When Jon-Eric Sullivan was hired as the Miami Dolphins’ newest general manager this offseason, he immediately put his stamp on the organization. Miami’s roster has undergone significant changes, with many players jettisoned by Sullivan in short order. However, when asked who he views as building blocks for the team moving forward, Miami’s GM named three pillars; running back De’Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

With Brooks signing a three-year, $51.3 million deal with the Dolphins on Tuesday, all three of Sullivan’s pillars have been inked to big-money contract extensions ahead of the 2026 NFL season — leaving no doubt that Miami views Achane, Brewer and Brooks as the team’s core heading into the upcoming year.

However, beyond those three, who else is deserving of a new deal?

In an article posted to ESPN today, Marcel Louis-Jacques dropped a clue that Miami’s starting left tackle — Patrick Paul — may be the next in line for a contact extension in sunny South Florida.

“With the three “pillars” signed, the Dolphins are set to open training camp next week with no unsettled contract negotiations. The next logical choice for an extension is left tackle Patrick Paul, who is entering his third season with the team.”

Extending Paul before his price-tag goes through the roof would be a smart strategy for Sullivan, as left tackles earn massive paychecks while protecting a team’s most important player — the starting quarterback. However, after emerging as an impact player for Miami during his first full season as a starter in 2025, Paul could already command a top-10 salary at the position. Currently, Kolton Miller of the Las Vegas Raiders and Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles are tied as the 10th highest paid left tackles in the NFL according to Over the Cap — averaging $22 million per year.

NFL rules state that players playing on their rookie contract cannot sign an extension until they’ve had at least three years of service at the pro level, so Paul wouldn’t even be eligible for a new deal until after the 2026 season anyway. However, that won’t keep Sullivan from having exploratory conversations with Paul and his agent this year.