Zach Sieler wants to remain with the Miami Dolphins, even as their winless start raises questions about which veterans could be moved.
Asked Monday about the possibility of joining a contender, the defensive tackle expressed his preference to keep playing in Miami.
“I love it here,” Sieler said. “I want to win here as a Dolphin. I think Hafley, Sully have done an amazing job here. I’m excited to see this team growing and where we’re going and get some wins.”
His comments establish where he wants to play, though they do not amount to a commitment from the Dolphins to keep him.
Miami emerged from its bye at 0-5 and will visit the New York Jets on Oct. 25.
Head coach Jeff Hafley has already committed to keeping Malik Willis as his starting quarterback, leaving the offense to pursue improvement without a change at that position.
Zach Sieler’s contract adds context to Dolphins trade speculation
Sieler is under contract beyond this season. The Dolphins announced an extension through 2029 in August 2025, following a stretch in which he recorded 10.0 sacks in both 2023 and 2024.
That production helped turn a waiver pickup into an important part of Miami’s defense. The Dolphins claimed Sieler from Baltimore in December 2019, and he went on to earn the team’s MVP award for the 2024 season.
The financial commitment grows next year. Over The Cap lists his scheduled cap charge at approximately $11.01 million in 2026 and $20.89 million in 2027, an increase of about $9.88 million.
Those figures are scheduled cap charges, not the savings Miami would receive by trading him. They nevertheless help frame the decision: Retaining Sieler would preserve an experienced defensive contributor while carrying a larger cap commitment into next season.
For general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, a potential offer would have to be weighed against the cost of replacing that contribution.
A draft pick would give Miami another opportunity to add young talent, but moving Sieler would also create a need on the defensive front. His response Monday makes clear that leaving for a contender is not the outcome he is seeking.
