Vikings Could Have an OL Draft Contingency Plan

Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings don’t have a clear-cut starting center lined up for 2026 after Ryan Kelly’s retirement, and if the franchise doesn’t land one of the draft’s top prospects at the position, Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer may be available via trade.

Brewer gives Minnesota another path if the draft board gets tricky.

The Miami Herald raised the prospect of a Brewer trade this week. Vikings assistant head coach Frank Smith just came from that organization, creating a possible connection.

A Veteran Center Option Could Linger in Minnesota’s Background

Get to know Brewer, just in case.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa lines up under center Aaron Brewer during first-half action against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 30, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The snap sequence highlights Brewer’s role anchoring the interior offensive line as Miami works through early-game possessions. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images.

Miami Herald: Would the Dolphins Trade Brewer?

Omar Kelly opined on Dolphins’ trade candidates this week, noting, “Tailback De’Von Achane, inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson, and center Aaron Brewer are all entering the final season of their contract, and therefore seek extensions. Brewer is the NFL’s 10th highest paid center based on his salary, which pays him $7 million annually for the past three years.”

“But the 29-year-old is out of guaranteed money, and that’s the only figure in NFL contracts that truly matter to players. Clearly finances will come into play, which is why Sullivan and Hafley must listen to offers.”

Brewer worked with the aforementioned Smith for two seasons in Miami.

Kelly continued, “It’s clear Miami’s roster is being rebuilt, becoming younger and cheaper, and even though Sullivan claims Achane, Brooks and Brewer are foundational pieces the Dolphins hope to build around, proof of this will come from the contracts offered in the next two weeks.”

“The Dolphins must decide if they would prefer a draft pick over these proven, but soon to be expensive NFL players.”

If one assumes that Brewer could be traded, the Vikings would be near the top of the list for a would-be destination because of their center need and Smith’s presence on the coaching staff.

The Trade Price

How much will it cost to get Brewer? Probably a 4th- or 5th-Round pick. He’s not overly young at 28, and in NFL speak, he’s relatively anonymous, fair on unfair.

Brewer would likely only cost the acquiring team the remaining non-prorated portion of his contract — approximately $1.215 million in base salary and bonuses for 2026.

The Dolphins, on the other hand, would remain responsible for the majority of the previous bonus accounting. Consequently, while trading Brewer presents an accounting challenge for Miami, he is relatively inexpensive in terms of cash for the team that acquires him.

A rookie center is probably a more exciting avenue for the Vikings, but Brewer is a sure thing, particularly with the continuity of Smith in Minnesota.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis and lineman Aaron Brewer go through warmups before kickoff on Dec. 11, 2023, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The pregame moment captures Brewer preparing with teammates as the Titans get set for an interconference matchup on the road. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports.

Fox Sports‘ Ralph Vacchiano theorized a Brewer trade to the Chargers last week: “Even a sell-happy team like the Dolphins isn’t going to be eager to trade a 28-year-old center who ranks near the top of the league at his position and has an affordable salary. But he is going to be a free agent next year and could cost a small fortune.”

“So it wouldn’t be crazy for the Dolphins to get something for him now and find his replacement in the draft. As for the Chargers, their top priority has to be keeping QB Justin Herbert upright, and all they did was add center Tyler Biadasz and guard Cole Strange in free agency. Brewer would be an upgrade, though the Dolphins surely would want a high pick since they’d prefer to keep him around.”

The Bio on Brewer

Brewer joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020, switching between guard and center with the Tennessee Titans until 2023. He then traveled to the Dolphins as a center. The aforementioned Smith served as the offensive coordinator during that time.

Here’s Brewer’s Pro Football Focus grade resume:

2025: 87.4
2024: 74.8
2023: 71.6
2022: 59.9
2021: 76.2

His run-blocking is generally much better than his pass-blocking, but that’s not to say he struggles with the latter. He’s just more refined as a plower of running lanes.

The 87.4 PFF mark is especially remarkable because Brewer played 912 snaps last season. PFF considered him the NFL’s second-best center. He’s played 91 career games in six seasons, starting 73.

Draft Options

Now, for the draft. Most fans and pundits expect Minnesota to leave the draft with a center. These are the options:

• Connor Lew (Auburn | R2–R3)
• Sam Hecht (Kansas State | R3)
• Logan Jones (Iowa | R4)
• Jake Slaughter (Florida | R4)
• Matt Gulbin (Michigan State | R5–R6)
• Parker Brailsford (Alabama | R5–R6)
• Pat Coogan (Indiana | R6-R7)

Tennessee Titans linemen Ty Sambrailo, Aaron Brewer, and Daniel Munyer align at the line of scrimmage during first-quarter action on Sep. 14, 2020, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The formation shows Brewer working the interior as the Titans offense sets up against the Broncos defense. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports.

The Vikings have nine picks on the menu, compared to five last year, and nabbing a center should firmly be on the agenda.

Otherwise, Brewer’s possible trade availability is a nice fallback option. He’ll turn 29 a few days before Halloween.