ESPN analyst weighs in on whether Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer’s breakout is a McDaniel creation or has legitimate staying power
Is Miami Dolphins Aaron Brewer’s breakout a byproduct of former head coach Mike McDaniel’s scheme? Is there staying power? One ESPN analyst has weighed in.
The Miami Dolphins have given center Aaron Brewer a major vote of confidence this summer. And why wouldn’t they?
In two years in South Florida (albeit with a different regime), Brewer has been sensational. One of the better centers in the league, Brewer earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025 and is now the third-highest paid center in the game. But the question of if Brewer’s usage will cause a regression with former head coach Mike McDaniel in town. After all, McDaniel’s vision for Brewer was a major component to the center unlocking his potential. One ESPN analyst sees the risk, but is buying on Brewer sustaining his play nonetheless.
ESPN’s Benjamin Solak backs Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer as not a system product
“Brewer’s blossoming at center is thanks in large part to his time with McDaniel, a uniquely gifted run game coordinator. There are serious “blip” worries with new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, as he might not be able to maximize Brewer the way McDaniel did.
Still, it’s difficult for a center this springy and balanced to not create splash plays in the running game. Slowik and McDaniel share San Francisco DNA from their time under Kyle Shanahan, and Slowik will major in a zone running game that serves Brewer’s lighter frame and quick feet well. Also on Miami’s offensive coaching staff is Kevin Patullo, who watched the twilight of (Jason) Kelce’s career in Philadelphia…this is a player trending up, even if he doesn’t make the All-Pro list every year at center moving forward.
Benjamin Solak, ESPN
On Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer's sustainability without Mike McDaniel
I think Solak’s got this one nailed down perfectly. Will McDaniel’s creativity be missed in all of the ways the Dolphins were able to get Brewer out on the edge and in space? Absolutely. Does Brewer run the risk of being used a little bit more “traditionally” at times? For sure.
But there’s two key storylines here. One is Brewer himself. He’s now build himself up an established track record of film and reps for his coaches to bank on and lean into. The fact that there’s a translating proof of concept for him as a player can allow Bobby Slowik and company plenty of runway to still use him to his abilities. Brewer, as well, has taken ownership of this offensive line. When he signed his contract extension, all three of the young starting linemen (Patrick Paul, Kadyn Proctor, and Jonah Savaiinaea) came through to show their support.
The other factor here is those two guards: Savaiinaea and Proctor. Miami is hoping to get more consistent play out of the guard position in 2026. As they should. It’s been incredible to consider how good Brewer has been while the guard play the last two seasons has been so unstable. If Brewer’s usage takes a creative hit but the guard play is even NFL average, what is the net outcome for his performance? Solak is buying sustained success. So am I. And so, too, are the Dolphins — based on his new contract.
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