The Miami Dolphins ended the trade speculation around one linebacker — but it may be time to wonder about another
The offseason was filled with trade speculation for Miami Dolphins star linebacker Jordyn Brooks. Is it time to speculate about another veteran linebacker being a trade piece?
NFL circles spent months speculating about whether or not All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks was available for trade. The Miami Dolphins, after all, shipped out wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in March. And the team was rebuilding — all while picking LB Jacob Rodriguez in the top-50 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cowboys fans had dreams of Brooks playing in the middle of their new look defense. Buccaneers fans dared to imagine Brooks taking over the spot left behind by Lavonte David. But all that imagination was for not. The Dolphins and Brooks are currently watching the ink dry on a newly signed three-year extension worth just over $51 million. The shadow of the Rodriguez selection still lingers, though. Is another Dolphins linebacker a viable trade piece this summer?
Could Miami Dolphins veteran Tyrel Dodson be the linebacker who is actually traded before the 2026 season?
Let’s start here: I don’t expect Dodson would command much on the trade market and neither should you. He’s a 28-year old veteran who plays stack linebacker while facing a contract year. Traditionally, that’s not a series of conditions that teams throw a ton of draft assets at. But let’s give Dodson some credit. He’s become a productive player while serving as a starter the last three seasons. And he’s owed just $3 million in cash for the season ahead. That’s an easily absorbed commitment.
If Rodriguez comes into camp full steam ahead and inspires, the Miami Dolphins should start picking up the phone and putting out some feelers. Dodson is at his best playing downhill and with aggression. The skill set on passing downs is more effective as a blitzer than as a coverage player. That’s a role that some teams could have interest in acquiring, especially if they’re cap flexible.
I won’t speculate on teams, as it’s hard to say who may have that kind of role in mind for the season ahead. But I do have a stack linebacker trade from each of the last few offseasons that can set some expectations about the kind of value a trade conversation around Dodson could propose.
A recent history of off-ball linebacker trades
– March 2026: The Green Bay Packers traded DL Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts for 30-year old LB Zaire Franklin, who was owed over $7M in compensation for 2026
– November 2025: The Dallas Cowboys traded a 2026 7th-round draft selection to the Cincinnati Bengals for LB Logan Wilson (who was owed $6M this season and was released)
– March 2025: The Dallas Cowboys traded a 2025 6th-round draft selection to the Tennessee Titans for LB Kenneth Murray ($7.41M in compensation due) and a 2025 7th-round draft selection
– 2024 season: Veteran LB Ernest Jones was traded twice. Once in August in a 5th/6th-round pick swap and again in October for a 4th-round draft choice and a 2025 4th-round pick
Perhaps a player for player swap could make some sense for the Dolphins? Any draft capital exchange will probably require the Miami Dolphins to send a pick back, based on recent historical precedent. Logan Wilson was the only trade involving a pick that did not require a pick going back. And he got sent for a 7th-rounder. It’s not a blockbuster. But it doesn’t need to be, especially if Miami wants to clear the way for Rodriguez to play. Dodson has earned a chance to play, too. Perhaps this could be a win for everyone?
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