The Miami Dolphins aren’t waiting on Connor Williams to get healthy before addressing the center position.
They seemingly found the rehabbing Williams’ replacement Monday: ex-Titan Aaron Brewer, who agreed to a three-year deal with the Dolphins.
Miami Dolphins Agreed To Terms With Aaron Brewer
NFL Network reports that Brewer, 26, will sign a contract worth $21 million after the league new year begins Wednesday.
That $7 million AAV is right in line with what the Dolphins paid Williams annually during his two years with the organization.
The deal will make Brewer one of the 10 highest paid centers in the league. Since Brewer is on an expiring contract, his signing will count against the Dolphins’ compensatory picks formula.
But that’s a price Dolphins GM Chris Grier is seemingly willing to pay for a player who has put together a quality career since going undrafted out of Texas State in 2020.
Brewer was a workhorse for the Titans since he permanently cracked the starting lineup prior to the 2022 season. Brewer, who can play both center and guard, started 34 games in the last two seasons, on the field for 2,081 of a possible 2,085 snaps.
Brewer is a bit shaky in pass protection — he allowed six sacks and committed three holding penalties this year — but he more than makes up for that with his athleticism.
His ability to reach to the second level and the edge in run blocks will absolutely be utilized in Mike McDaniel’s zone running scheme.
KEEP READING: No Need For Miami Dolphins Fans To Panic — Yet
And don’t necessarily close the book on Williams returning. He wants to see how his body responds to ACL rehab before deciding where to sign, and both he and Brewer have the position flexibility necessary to make it worth with them on the field together.
The Dolphins now have three starting lineup locked in for 2024: Brewer, right tackle Austin Jackson, and left tackle Terron Armstead, who is forgoing retirement to return for a 12th NFL season.
Dolphins Grade: B+
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.