With the NFL trade deadline closing in on November 10, the Miami Dolphins are being talked about like a team that could sell. But Zach Sieler does not sound like a player eager to get moved.
Sieler spoke to the media earlier in the week and made his stance plain while also giving his backing to what Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley are building.
"I love it here," Sieler said. "I've been here how long? I want to stay here and win as a Dolphin."
Miami’s front office has had a strange offseason. Sullivan had to absorb the contracts of Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, and the nearly $100 million left on Tua Tagovailoa’s deal. Then the Dolphins dealt Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, a move that further stripped down the roster.
Instead of rebuilding through expensive veteran additions, Miami put together a roster filled with 13 rookie draft picks and a mix of players on one-year and two-year contracts. Even in the middle of that overhaul, Sullivan kept a few veterans he described as “pillars” for the rebuild: Aaron Brewer, Patrick Paul, Jordyn Brooks, and De'Von Achane.
Sieler was not named among those pillars, but the role he plays is obvious. He is the anchor of the Dolphins’ defensive line, and his standing around the league is strong enough that he would attract interest if Miami chose to listen.
That’s where the tension comes in. Sullivan has to consider what a trade package might look like against what he would lose by moving Sieler. His value may never be higher than it is now, but dealing a veteran leader also sends a message the organization would have to live with.
There are situations where Sullivan would have to pull the trigger if an offer surpassed what he was asking for. But trading veterans just to make a trade would not make much sense, especially for a player who represents the kind of selfless attitude teams want in a rebuild.
Unlike Austin Jackson, who almost certainly won’t be with the team next season, Sieler is expected to stay. For the Dolphins, keeping him in Miami may matter more than whatever return a deadline deal could bring.
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The 2027 slate is expected to feature AFC East opponents along with a mix of other visitors, and unlike some seasons there is no expectation of overseas games to complicate the home schedule. The timing only adds to the annoyance for fans who have been waiting for reasons to feel better about the product, not another bill to review. For now, members have a little time to decide whether to stay in before the first charge hits, but the larger issue is clear enough: the Dolphins are asking for more money while still trying to win back trust. [Read more 🡒]