Jordyn Brooks has emerged as a significant force on the Miami Dolphins' defense following a standout 2025 season. His impressive statistics, including a high tackle count, put him in a prime position to be named a team captain, especially after the departure of veteran leaders. The Dolphins are transitioning towards a new culture, and Brooks' leadership qualities are expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the team.

With the Dolphins actively seeking new leadership, Brooks stands out as a strong candidate to fill this void. His prior experience with the Seahawks, where he played a fundamental role in their defense, suggests that he possesses the necessary skills and mentality to lead the Dolphins into a new era.

The 2025 Miami Dolphins are fortunate to have a talented group of inside linebackers, including Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay Jr., and K.J. Britt. Collectively, they are the deepest unit on the team, surpassing even the wide receivers, edge rushers, and running backs. Brooks, the team leader in tackles last season, emphasizes the importance of their role in the defense's success. Despite the need for various playmakers, these linebackers may not individually win games for the Dolphins, but their depth and skill are significant assets.

Brooks and Dodson are expected to be the primary starters, with Dodson having the added responsibility of wearing the 'green dot' helmet for communication. Both players have shown promise, with Dodson recording impressive stats after joining from Seattle. The backups, Gay and Britt, have experience and potential, making this unit one of the strongest in the league. As the Dolphins adjust their defensive strategy, they rely heavily on their inside linebackers to step up, with the coaching staff expressing confidence in their capabilities.

The Miami Dolphins have made a strategic signing with Willie Gay Jr., a linebacker who brings valuable postseason experience to a team eager to break its playoff drought of over 20 years. With players like Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson likely starting, Gay's nine playoff starts, including two Super Bowl victories, position him as a crucial mentor. His insights on handling playoff pressure will be indispensable for teammates who, despite years in the league, have limited playoff exposure.

Gay's previous season with the New Orleans Saints was challenging, recording just 28 tackles. However, the Dolphins view him as a bargain acquisition, potentially leveraging his big-game experience to drive deeper playoff aspirations. As the Dolphins aim for postseason success, Gay’s statistics—29 tackles and multiple passes defended in crucial games—could be pivotal assets.

Tyrel Dodson is set to rejoin the Miami Dolphins after a successful tenure last season, signing a two-year deal worth $8.25 million. The linebacker, who initially joined the Dolphins midseason after being released by the Seattle Seahawks, quickly adapted to Miami's defensive scheme, making a notable impact. He recorded 36 tackles and three interceptions in the second half of last season, including a standout performance against the Cleveland Browns that earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Dodson's return solidifies the linebacker corps alongside Jordyn Brooks as the Dolphins continue to enhance their defensive lineup.

The Miami Dolphins are in search of a starting inside linebacker to pair with Jordyn Brooks for the upcoming season, with options including free agents and potential draft picks. Channing Tindall, a third-round pick in 2022, has yet to establish himself as a starter, which complicates the situation. Tyrel Dodson and Anthony Walker Jr. are both candidates, having previously filled the role, while the draft may yield new talent.

Some notable free agents include Ernest Jones, who just had knee surgery but has consistently hit the 100-tackle mark, and veteran Eric Kendricks, who had a solid performance with the Cowboys last season. Meanwhile, other potential recruits, like Jamie Sherwood and Lavonte David, offer varying degrees of experience and skill. The Dolphins' choices will weigh heavily on both immediate needs and future potential.