New Dolphins GM Looks to Avoid Packers' Mistakes

Sullivan must learn from Green Bay's struggles to build a complete offense around star QB

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:03am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the elements of an American football field and players broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a Picasso-esque cubist style, conceptually representing the strategic challenges facing the Dolphins' new GM as he looks to rebuild the team's offense.A cubist interpretation of the strategic challenges facing the Dolphins' new GM as he looks to rebuild the team's offense.Today in Miami

As the new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, Jon-Eric Sullivan is tasked with rebuilding the team using lessons from his time with the Green Bay Packers. However, Sullivan must avoid the Packers' mistakes of neglecting the wide receiver position and overvaluing the offensive line, which have prevented the team from sustained postseason success despite having elite quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are in a prime position to capitalize on a vulnerable AFC East division, but Sullivan must make bold moves to properly build the roster and give new head coach Jeff Hafley the tools to succeed. Failing to address the team's weaknesses could doom the Dolphins to the same fate as the Packers, who have struggled to win a Super Bowl despite consistent regular season success.

The details

During Sullivan's 17 years in the Packers' front office, the team consistently failed to properly replenish the wide receiver room after losing star players like Davante Adams. The Packers also overvalued their ability to build an offensive line through the draft, leading to inconsistent play up front. Sullivan must avoid these mistakes in Miami by being willing to invest first-round picks in wide receivers and making tough decisions on the offensive line, even if it means parting ways with players.

  • Sullivan joined the Packers organization in 2004 and worked his way up the ranks over 17 seasons.
  • The Packers drafted wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round in 2025, their first first-round WR since Javon Walker in 2002.
  • The Packers signed guard Aaron Banks to a 4-year, $77 million contract in March 2026, after drafting tackle Jordan Morgan in the first round in 2024.

The players

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, who previously spent 17 years in the front office of the Green Bay Packers.

Aaron Rodgers

The star quarterback of the Green Bay Packers during Sullivan's tenure, winning multiple MVP awards but failing to win more than one Super Bowl.

Brian Gutekunst

The current general manager of the Green Bay Packers, who has emphasized building a versatile offensive line but neglected the wide receiver position.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who will need to be given the proper weapons by Sullivan to succeed.

Chris Grier

The previous general manager of the Miami Dolphins, who used the draft to build the offensive line but neglected the passing game.

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What they’re saying

“We feel really good about the flexibility of our guys to play multiple spots and try to get the best five on the field. So, it's always impactful, but at the same time I feel really good about our group right now.”

— Brian Gutekunst, Packers General Manager

“There's an opportunity here for the Dolphins to strike early. The only way head coach Jeff Hafley will be able to land decisive strikes is if he's given the proper weapons to do so, and the Packers' team-building strategy guarantees that wouldn't happen if followed to the T in Miami.”

— Jon-Eric Sullivan

What’s next

Sullivan will need to make tough decisions on the Dolphins' offensive line and aggressively address the wide receiver position in the upcoming draft and free agency periods to give the team the best chance to compete in the AFC East.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of building a balanced and versatile offense, especially at the quarterback position. The Packers' struggles to surround Aaron Rodgers with consistent receiving threats and a reliable offensive line serve as a cautionary tale for the Dolphins as they look to build a contender around their new head coach.