Report: Miami Dolphins signing key defensive lineman to 3-year extension

The Miami Dolphins have reportedly agreed to a big three-year extension with veteran defensive lineman Zach Sieler.

Sieler had been looking for an extension after a 2022 season in which he recorded 70 combined tackles, 12 quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, four passes defended and two forced fumbles. He started 15 of the Dolphins’ 17 regular season games and also started the team’s lone playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.

With a new deal done for Sieler, the Dolphins can focus more on getting extensions done for Christian Wilkins and Connor Williams. They remain optimistic about getting a deal done with Wilkins, who has become one of the team’s best players in recent seasons.

Only time will tell if Miami is able to finalize new contracts with Wilkins and Williams, two key starters. Those worried about an extension for Wilkins shouldn’t fret too much. He’s under contract for this season and could get franchise tagged after the campaign if no deal is reached.

A seventh-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft, Sieler has played a little more than three seasons in South Florida after spending a little more than one full season with the Ravens.

During his Dolphins tenure, the Ferris State University product has compiled 180 combined tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, 10 sacks, nine passes defended and three forced fumbles.

It’s been great to see how far he has come since joining the Dolphins back in 2019. The 27-year-old is undoubtedly proud of developing so much over the past few years in Miami and getting an extension to keep him in Florida for a little longer.

He’s expected to play a key role again this season as the Dolphins look to secure back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since the early 2000s.

There is tons of talent on the roster, but there’s plenty of tough competition in the AFC East and AFC in general. Miami has a tough test with its first game of the season, as it will take on Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers on the road on Sept. 10.

Miami wrapped up its preseason slate on Saturday night with a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing 1-2 in three games.