Dolphins DL Zach Sieler Makes His Feelings Known on Trade Rumors

The Miami Dolphins are 0-5 and are still looking for their first win. Considering how the construction of the roster has been thus far, the team has stuck to its proverbial guns in terms of shedding large contracts in lieu of younger players to develop.

That leaves veterans like Zach Sieler as potential trade candidates. Sieler has appeared in trade rumors before, but the 2026 season could be the year that the Dolphins pull the trigger on letting the defensive lineman go elsewhere.

While that is not a guarantee or has been corroborated, Sieler let his feelings be known about a potential trade.

Sieler signed a three-year, $64 million extension in August 2025, but that was when Chris Grier was still running the show. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has operated in a much different manner thus far.

Sieler is also 31 years old, and while that is not old in football terms, it's old considering the Dolphins roster has been constructed with a lot of young talent.

Sullivan himself said his plan is for the roster to get "younger and cheaper," and Sieler goes against both of those things.

Regardless, the defensive lineman has been a beacon of passion and leadership in Miami. He has proven that again by stating that he wants to remain with the Dolphins. 

“I love it here. I want to win here as a Dolphin. I’m excited to see this team grow and get some wins," Sieler said during media availability, per David Furones. 

Sieler has the kind of skill and chops to make another team's defense very strong, and he could also have the chance to join a contender. Instead of chasing that kind of glory, he admitted to wanting to stay and win as a member of the Dolphins. 

Miami is building something that appears to be special, but that may take some time. Hafley and the players have continued to talk about what they see in terms of how the organization is being built.

Sieler sounds like he wants to remain a major part of that direction, despite the time it may take to get there. 

The issue is that the NFL is a business, and Sullivan has already made plenty of tough decisions regarding players with bigger contracts.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, linebacker Bradley Chubb, and more were either released or traded to make way for a better cap situation in 2027.

Sieler being traded might be in line with those players. However, his trade would also incur an additional $24 million in dead cap if he was moved.

That might be too large a chunk of money for the Dolphins to move the defensive tackle, unless they receive a deal they cannot say no to. Something in the form of a second or third round selection might lead Sullivan to consider moving the stalwart veteran.