The Miami Dolphins have made a bold move to secure one of their most reliable defensive stars. On Sunday, the team signed defensive tackle Zach Sieler to a three-year contract extension worth up to $67.75 million.
With $44 million guaranteed, this deal makes Sieler the highest-paid defensive player on the Dolphins roster and reflects his growing importance on the team.
Dolphins Reward Sieler’s Consistency and Leadership
Sieler has been one of the Dolphins’ most consistent and hardworking defenders. Over the past two seasons, he has delivered back-to-back 10-sack performances, a rare feat for a defensive tackle. Before this new extension, his average annual value (AAV) was $10 million — ranking him just 29th among NFL defensive tackles.
Now, with his AAV jumping to $22.5 million, the Dolphins have shown they understand his true value.
Head coach Mike McDaniel praised Sieler not only for his on-field production but also for his professionalism during contract talks. “Zach’s actions speak,” McDaniel said. “He shows up, he works hard, and his teammates respect him. That’s the kind of culture we’re building.”
Sieler Sets an Example On and Off the Field
Despite missing voluntary OTA practices, Sieler joined the team for mandatory minicamp and the early days of training camp. For him, the balance between contract negotiations and team duties was important.
“Respect and family security are big for me,” Sieler said. “But I also want to show that you can give your best on the field even when other things are going on in the background.”
His dedication has not gone unnoticed, and as a team captain, he continues to lead by example. His message is clear: loyalty to the game and the team matters just as much as financial rewards.
From Underdog to Star: Sieler’s Unlikely Journey
Zach Sieler’s story is one of persistence and grit. He walked on at Ferris State, a Division II school, and entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. After being waived a year later, the Dolphins claimed him off waivers — a move that would change the course of his career.
In his first three seasons with Miami, he totaled nine sacks. But over the last two years, he has emerged as the team’s top pass rusher, recording 10 sacks in each of the past two campaigns. Since the beginning of the 2023 season, only one player — Baltimore’s Nnamdi Madubuike — has more quarterback hits than Sieler, who has racked up 41 in that time.
With this new extension, the Dolphins are investing not only in talent but in leadership, culture, and consistency. Zach Sieler is no longer just an underdog success story — he’s now a cornerstone of the Miami defense.
As the Dolphins look to build a championship-caliber team, Sieler will play a central role, both as a playmaker and a leader.
