7 Dolphins players who could fill the team's leadership void

The Miami Dolphins lost several captains this offseason. Terron Armstead retired, Calais Campbell rejoined the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, and it's also clear Jalen Ramsey will soon be playing elsewhere in 2025. Linebacker David Long Jr. was also voted as a captain, but was released in the middle of the season.

There are still a few returning captains: Tua Tagovailoa, Alec Ingold, Tyreek Hill, and Zach Sieler. However, it's no certainty that Hill retains his captaincy after an offseason of drama.

"You allow people to fill those voids authentically," Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday "We very much go into this offseason feeling confident that there were numerous players ready to fill that vacuum.”

So who could step up into those roles in 2025? Here are seven Dolphins players who could earn a captain nod for the first time:

RB De'Von Achane

His on-field production is one thing, but Achane has shown leadership ability so far in OTAs and McDaniel has taken notice.

"I see him looking at himself as a leader in his own specific way, and what do leaders do? They bring it every day. You can’t take days off as a leader, and I’ve seen him bring it absolutely every day he’s been in the building.”

LB Jaelan Phillips

The fifth-year edge rusher could be the safest bet. His work ethic to rehab and return from back-to-back season-ending injuries shows his toughness and resolve. On the field, his talent and leadership is not hard to see. Phillips has shown his sack production potential with 23 in his 46 games, with 6.5 in eight games played in 2023 before injuring his Achilles.

LB Jordyn Brooks

Brooks is entering his second season in Miami, and played fantastic football in the middle of the Dolphins' second level of the defense in 2024. He finished the season with 143 total tackles, 11 for loss, and added three sacks and 11 quarterback hits.

TE Jonnu Smith

Smith had a record-breaking season for Miami’s franchise for tight ends. He hit the triple crown in team records in a season for receptions (88), receiving yards (884), and touchdowns (8). The veteran was also a vocal leader on the field and in the locker room, and easily could become a captain in his second season with the Dolphins.

C Aaron Brewer

Brewer is another potential leader entering his second season in South Florida. The center was outstanding in the middle of the Dolphins offensive line, and Miami's most consistent lineman last season. In Armstead's absence, Brewer could step up as the leader of the offensive trenches.

K Jason Sanders

Sanders is the longest-tenured player in Miami, after first joining the team as a 2018 seventh-round pick. The career 84.6 percent kicker finished 2024 with a streak of 27 consecutive made field goals, the longest active streak in the NFL. He had his second-best season in accuracy, hitting 90.2 percent of his kicks.

DB Elijah Campbell

Campbell is a sleeper nominee after re-signing in the offseason. He could see a spike in safety snaps, and is also a valued special teams gunner who has been with the team since 2021.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: 7 Dolphins players who could fill the team's leadership void