Dolphins defensive sort out Zach Sieler stands on the edge of one thing this franchise hasn’t seen since 2007.
Sieler, who has back-to-back 10-sack seasons, may report a 3rd consecutive double-digit sack season, matching the streak established by Corridor of Famer Jason Taylor from 2005-07.
However first, Sieler has to work out particulars of a contract extension.
The Dolphins must pay Sieler. He’s important personnel. He’s outplayed his contract. He deserves a increase.
How a lot ought to he get? And what number of years? That’s robust to say.
In 2023, Sieler signed a three-year, $30.75 million extension with the Dolphins.
The NFL’s top-paid defensive sort out in 2025, by common annual contract worth in response to Spotrac.com, is Kansas Metropolis’s Chris Jones at $31.8 million. The No. 20 defensive sort out on that listing is Arizona’s Dalvin Tomlinson at $14.5 million.
Sieler, an eighth-year participant who turns 30 in September, presently ranks twenty ninth at $10.25 million.
However the Dolphins must ask themselves in the event that they need to pay a 31- or 32-year Sieler, say, $15 or $16 million a season.
If he doesn’t have a contract extension when coaching camp opens later this month, anticipate a hold-in. That’s when a participant exhibits up however refuses to take part in follow, versus a maintain out, when a participant doesn’t present up in any respect.
Sieler has been the Dolphins’ most constant defensive playmaker of the previous two years.
He scored a 5-yard landing on a decide 6 within the 28-27 loss to Tennessee in 2023. He additionally scored a 5-yard landing on a fumble restoration within the 34-31 playoff loss at Buffalo in 2022.
He was a foundational piece of the league’s No. 9 speeding protection in 2024 and No. 7 speeding protection in 2023.
Moreover, his 10 sacks in 2023 had been second on the group behind edge rusher Bradley Chubb’s 11 sacks, and helped the Dolphins set up a franchise-record 56 sacks.
However Sieler, final 12 months’s group MVP, poses an attention-grabbing dilemma.
This isn’t a scenario resembling tight finish Jonnu Smith, who was traded to Pittsburgh on Monday after he couldn’t agree on a brand new contract with the Dolphins. Smith figured to be the No. 4 offensive choice behind extensive receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and operating again De’Von Achane.
Sieler, at this level, is crucial participant on the protection.
Sieler is wholesome, that means he’s not coming off a season-ending damage, resembling edge rushers Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. And he’s been right here for years, in contrast to newly acquired Professional Bowl security Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Nevertheless, Sieler shares a dilemma much like Smith’s, and that’s reaching 30 years previous quickly.
The Dolphins are in a brand new section. They’re making an attempt to win with youth and draftees. Sieler is neither youthful nor a draftee.
However he’s rattling good.
He’ll probably be a group captain.
He’ll definitely be a group chief.
Sieler’s contract extension wouldn’t be the identical as the cash wildly given out in 2024 to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. They had been paid when the Dolphins had been drunk with happiness after their 11-6 season in 2023.
Sieler’s contract extension can be paid in a prudent, sober trend.
This example is one other take a look at for whether or not the Dolphins pay their returning gamers. Latest ex-standouts resembling defensive sort out Christian Wilkins, guard Robert Hunt and security Jevon Holland may say it received’t occur. They departed for larger paydays.
Sieler’s scenario will probably be eyed carefully by Achane, who’s within the third 12 months of a four-year deal, and Phillips, who’s enjoying this season on his fifth-year choice. They’ll in all probability search extensions at season’s finish.
Sieler, in a means, is in a race for the payday towards Achane and Phillips. That’s why Sieler, who, resembling Smith, is a consumer of agent Drew Rosenhaus, is smart to place himself on the head of the road.
Sieler, in contrast to Smith, reported to necessary minicamp, avoiding greater than $100,000 in fines. However one other potential take a look at is available in about three weeks.
Veterans report back to coaching camp on July 22, and follow begins July 23.
If Sieler doesn’t have a brand new deal by then, anticipate a hold-in.