Jon-Eric Sullivan is wasting no time putting his stamp on the Miami Dolphins. The newly minted general manager has already taken a hard look at the roster and, if his first public comments are any indication, he’s got a clear vision for the kind of team he wants to build - and who he wants to build it around.
With 30 players set to hit free agency, Sullivan inherits a roster in flux. That’s not just a number - it’s a signal that major change is coming.
“There’s going to be a lot of turnover,” Sullivan said, acknowledging the obvious: this team is headed for a reset. But it’s not a teardown.
Sullivan has already identified five players he believes are foundational pieces for the future. And while the names won’t surprise many Dolphins fans - especially those who were glued to trade deadline chatter - the omissions are sparking just as much conversation.
Let’s break down the five players Sullivan named as core pieces, and what that tells us about where this team is headed.
Aaron Brewer - Versatility in the Trenches
Sullivan singled out center Aaron Brewer, praising his ability to play in space and his physicality despite being undersized by NFL standards. That’s the kind of lineman Green Bay - where Sullivan spent over a decade - has traditionally valued: smart, mobile, and flexible.
Don’t be surprised if the new regime tests Brewer’s versatility by giving him reps at guard. If he can handle multiple spots, it could open up more options as the Dolphins reshape their offensive line.
De’Von Achane - The Home Run Threat
Calling De’Von Achane a “difference maker” and a “three-down back/home run hitter” is no exaggeration. Achane’s speed and explosiveness were on full display in 2025, and Sullivan clearly sees him as more than just a change-of-pace back. In an offense that’s likely to evolve under new leadership, Achane could become the centerpiece - a weapon who forces defenses to account for him on every snap.
Jaylen Waddle - Route Technician with Game-Breaking Speed
Sullivan’s praise for Jaylen Waddle was focused and telling. He highlighted Waddle’s explosiveness and his ability to create separation at the top of routes - a subtle nod to his technical growth as a receiver.
Waddle has always had elite speed, but if he continues refining the finer points of his game, he could blossom into a true WR1 in a more structured offensive system. Sullivan seems to believe that next step is coming.
Jordyn Brooks - Instincts and Range at Linebacker
Jordyn Brooks led the NFL in tackles last season, and Sullivan clearly sees him as the kind of linebacker you can build around. He pointed to Brooks’ instincts and sideline-to-sideline range - traits that are crucial in today’s game, where linebackers are asked to do it all. Brooks brings a level of physicality and awareness that fits perfectly with the toughness Sullivan wants to instill across the roster.
Patrick Paul - A Mountain of a Man
The final name on Sullivan’s list was rookie offensive tackle Patrick Paul, whom he described as a “huge man with length.” That’s not just a throwaway line - it’s a hint at the kind of physical profile Sullivan values up front.
Paul has the raw tools, and if he develops under the right coaching, he could become a long-term anchor at tackle. Sullivan even mentioned meeting Paul recently, which suggests he’s already invested in the young lineman’s development.
Notable Omissions: Sieler and Fitzpatrick
While the five players Sullivan named make sense, two absences stood out. Defensive lineman Zach Sieler has been a fan favorite and a consistent performer, and it’s possible his name simply slipped through the cracks.
But the more intriguing omission is Minkah Fitzpatrick. The former All-Pro safety has a complicated history with the Dolphins and left Pittsburgh under similarly murky circumstances.
Sullivan may be signaling that while Fitzpatrick is undeniably talented, he may not fit the culture or direction this new regime is aiming for.
A Strategic Approach to Rebuilding
Sullivan made it clear that the Dolphins won’t be reckless in free agency. He emphasized a measured approach - using “all available resources” but avoiding splashy signings just for the sake of headlines.
In the draft, he’s leaning on the tried-and-true “best player available” philosophy, rather than reaching to fill specific needs. That’s a smart approach for a team with holes across the board.
It’s not about plugging one leak - it’s about building something sustainable.
Bottom Line
Jon-Eric Sullivan’s early comments paint the picture of a GM who knows what he wants: physicality, discipline, and players who love the game. He’s got a vision, and he’s already identified the players he believes can bring it to life. The Dolphins are entering a new era - and while there are plenty of questions still to answer, the foundation is starting to take shape.