The Dolphins are keeping their leadership group at six for 2026, but the mix looks different enough to tell you where the team is headed. Miami announced quarterback Malik Willis, running back De'Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer, tackle Patrick Paul, defensive tackle Zach Sieler and linebacker Jordyn Brooks as its captains for the season.
Brewer, Sieler and Brooks are back in the role after serving as captains last year. Sieler’s return gives him a third straight year as one of the team’s leaders, while Brewer and Brooks remain part of the established core inside the locker room.
The newcomers fit the direction of the roster. Achane earned the nod after signing a contract extension in the offseason, and Paul’s selection reflects both his standing in the building and the growth he’s shown since arriving as a second-round pick in the 2024 draft. Having two offensive linemen among the captains is not common, and Paul’s inclusion says plenty about the respect he’s earned.
Willis, meanwhile, was a natural choice in his first season with the Dolphins. The same can be said for Achane once his extension was done. Together, they join a group that feels rooted in the younger part of the roster.
One thing that jumps out: there are no special teams specialists in the captain group. Sieler and Paul do take part in some special teams snaps, including field goal protection and punt block, but neither is really being chosen for that side of the game.
“I mean, the players voted for those guys, and I think they deserved it,” head coach Jeff Hafley said before practice Monday. “In each of their own way, they've shown the ability to lead in all different ways.
And I think it says a lot about those six guys that they received the votes from their peers. And I'm excited for those guys.”
Hafley is entering his first regular season as a head coach, and he made clear what he wants from the captains. They’re supposed to set the tone.
“They are the standard, and that's what I'm going to talk to them about,” Hafley said. “I have talked to them about it, but it doesn't end there.
Leadership can come all throughout the team. They're just the guys right now that they need to set the standard.”
He also said he expects regular back-and-forth with the group, using them as a sounding board on things like practice intensity, routine and travel plans. But he made it just as clear that the final call belongs to him.
“There'll be constant conversation,” Hafley said. “I'm always talking to the guys and picking up (info), and I have always done that wherever I've coached.
I want to know what they see, how they're feeling. Ultimately, I'm going to make the decision.
I mean, that's just the way it's going to go. But I mean, there's certain things that I'm going to want to bounce ideas off of some of them.”
The Dolphins’ 2025 captain group included Brewer, Brooks and Sieler along with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, fullback Alec Ingold and edge defender Bradley Chubb. Tagovailoa is now with the Falcons, Ingold with the Chargers and Chubb with the Bills.
Miami had eight captains in 2024, a larger group that also included Tyreek Hill, Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell, Terron Armstead and David Long Jr.
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