The Green Bay Packers have a golden opportunity to exploit a most favorable situation for one of their former executives that would elevate their offensive line to a whole new level.
Sound too good to be true? It isn't. Because the Miami Dolphins, led by Packers front office veteran Jon-Eric Sullivan as GM, are deliberately bottoming out their roster. They're suffering from what I like to call OGD: "Our Guy(s) Disorder."
TLDR; Our Guys Disorder is when a new NFL regime takes power, and is monomaniacal in their pursuit of ensuring "OUR GUYS", aka the talent they personally acquire, are the ones who turn the franchise around.
Miami had to part ways with several players this offseason, such as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. No one's debating that. However, it's getting to the point where the cupboard may be fully bare, especially if the latest rumors are proven true.
Micah Parsons notwithstanding, Green Bay is usually rather trade-averse, yet the Pack have already swung multiple deals this offseason between sending Rashan Gary to Dallas and Dontayvion Wicks to Philly. Could another splashy move be in the offing?
Packers should capitalize on Dolphins' fire sale to land All-Pro offensive lineman Aaron Brewer
Miami Herald beat reporter Omar Kelly cites multiple sources who've informed him that the Dolphins have had contract extension talks with running back De'Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks. The problem? None of them are anywhere close to securing new deals.
Sullivan entering his first Dolphins draft without knowing if he'll retain such critical players is certainly a choice.
I get it. To some degree at least. Sullivan paid his dues for many years in Green Bay. Unlike head coaches, most GMs only get one crack at the captain's chair. There's a certain pride and satisfaction that arises from tearing a roster down to the studs, rebuilding it on your own steam, and watching it all pay off down the road.
Except you can't just willy-nilly move on from every viable player you inherited just because you weren't the one to bring them aboard. Nor can you rebuild a roster on a foundation of nothingness.
OK, maybe you can. It's just far more difficult when you view the elite talent you do have as so disposable.
The Dolphins' young players need mentors and proven veterans to show them the way. Ex-Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley should have confidence in his coaching staff and in Sullivan's vision, but frankly, this is getting a little ridiculous.
I mean sure, Jon-Eric, knock yourself out if you believe you can replace the likes of Achane, Brewer, and/or Brooks via the draft. Just know that electrifying backs like Achane, elite centers like Brewer, and tackling machines like Brooks don't grow on trees.
Apologies for the long wind-up. How does this tie in to the Packers? They know Sullivan well. He'll be inclined to trade with them above any other front office, possibly even at a slight discount.
Regarding the three players in question, Brewer is by far the most appealing to Green Bay. The center position in front of franchise QB Jordan Love is a big question mark. Sean Rhyan is in line to start, but he's a middling run blocker and a poor pass protector. It's still mind-boggling that the Cheeseheads extended him to the tune of $33 million over three years.
Sure, securing a longer-term option via the draft is an option. It's not every day that an All-Pro center is there for the taking, though. The Packers can also move off Rhyan next offseason. A post-June 1 release would save them $9 million in 2027 cap space. That three-year accord is therefore not so prohibitive.
What would it cost the Pack to score Brewer in a trade? A third-round pick this year — the Dolphins already have four of those (lol) — and perhaps another in 2027? If that's all it is at the end of the day, Green Bay should let it rip.
Now that this information is out there about Miami's unserious contract negotiations, they are, for all intents and purposes, open for business.
Brewer was PFF's No. 1 run blocking center last year and graded out eighth-best in pass blocking. He's a stud. A massive upgrade over Rhyan by any conceivable measure.
More power to Sullivan and Co. if they think their new QB1/ex-Packers backup Malik Willis can navigate life without such a top-flight player snapping him the ball. Could work out very nicely for Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst as long as he's willing to give his old pal a ring.
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