Latest news with #Sieler
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins for better, for worse? How Zach Sieler and 2025 DL compares to 2024
(Editor's note: This is part of a summer series on the Miami Dolphins. Each entry will break down a specific position group, examining how the 2024 unit performed. what's expected in 2025 and, finally, concluding which group is better, the 2024 version or 2025.) Last year's defensive line Zach Sieler Calais Campbell Benito Jones Da'Shawn Hand Matt Dickerson How they performed Quite well. Sieler was named team MVP, completing a long journey from his days on the waiver wire. Campbell was 38 years old but playing like he was 28, proving he too was a fine pick-up by Miami. They combined for 15 sacks, 25 tackles for loss and 31 quarterback hits. This year's defensive line Sieler Matthew Butler Kenneth Grant (first-round pick) Jordan Phillips (fifth-round pick) Zeek Biggers (seventh-round pick) Jones Alex Huntley Dickerson Ben Stille Outlook Sieler is just hitting his prime and will give the Dolphins all he has both on the field and in the locker room. His leadership will be especially important with Campbell off to Arizona and three rookie draft picks to mentor. Coordinator Anthony Weaver assured that Grant will fulfill his potential based on the work ethic he already has witnessed. Obviously there is no way to judge yet how selecting how Grant and Phillips will or won't pay off for the 2025 Dolphins and whether they can come anywhere close to the high standards set by Sieler/Campbell. If Phillips and Biggers can contribute, a position of serious concern back when it was Sieler and not much else might hold its own after all. Bottom line: Last year's model or this year's? The Dolphins sound like they're going to ride Grant as far as he can take them when it comes to snap count. That's hard on anybody but especially true for defensive linemen playing in our early season heat. As Weaver said, the rookies are bound to have growing pains, but it will be interesting to see their impact in 2025. Last year's model or this years? Last year's. You don't lose a veteran such as Campbell, who played at a Pro Bowl level, and not feel it. Coming Wednesday: Special teams This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins 2025: MVP Zach Sieler mentors inexperienced DL
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins Top 10 players countdown: No. 2 Zach Sieler is 'heartbeat of our defense'
Editor's Note: This is part of a Countdown to Training Camp: Dolphins 2025 series. We'll unveil two players in the Dolphins' top 10 in each of the coming weeks. MIAMI GARDENS — When the Miami Dolphins claimed defensive tackle Zach Sieler from the Baltimore Ravens on December 5, 2019, nobody had any idea they had made one of the best waiver claims in franchise history. "He is the heartbeat of our defense," Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said of Sieler, after he was named 2024 team MVP in a vote of media. "He holds down the middle and obviously just shows up week-in and week-out and affects the game in a positive manner." Sieler has 20 sacks in each of the past two seasons. He's done it with heralded Christian Wilkins by his side and he's done it with aging unicorn Calais Campbell by his side. Sieler, 29, is powerful and quick and relentless. His motor has always been non-stop. "He continues to find ways to elevate his game which is why he's such an important part of what we do from a football team perspective and in particular, defensively," coach Mike McDaniel said, when Sieler was named MVP. "Some of the stuff that he does allows you to play different coverages. That's a pretty impactful player when your ability to do your job as an interior defensive lineman can give a defensive play caller freedom on non-pass exclusive downs to play all sorts of different things." Sieler was once a seventh-round pick from Ferris State. And now he's a key captain of the Dolphins. It's truly a remarkable story. Why Zach Sieler is 2nd-best Miami Dolphins player Sieler has played with some big names on the Dolphins defense. He's played with Wilkins, Campbell, Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Xavien Howard, Jalen Ramsey, Jevon Holland. And yet he has always been as good as anyone on the field for Miami. Almost always overshadowed. Almost always a force. Sieler is a quiet leader. But he leads by example in every right way possible. "He's a captain in more ways than one," McDaniel said. "He's a captain in how you conduct yourself. You want an example of how to flourish in the National Football League, how to go about the daily process, how to invest in your own game, he is a prime example." Telling Stat No Miami Dolphins defensive tackle has ever had more than 10 sacks in a season. Zach Sieler has had 10 - twice. How we see Zach Sieler's Dolphins future Sieler has made $26.8 million in his career, according to Spotrac. Sieler has two years left on a deal that pays $10.25 million per season, a very good bargain for Miami. Sieler is a player who should end his career as a Dolphin. It would be a shame if money, at some point, gets in the way of that. Either way, Sieler has been one of the most underrated defensive players in the NFL for years. And the Dolphins are extremely fortunate to have him. Joe Schad: Miami Dolphins seek 'new identity' for 2025, but what is it? Bradley Chubb: Miami Dolphins star feels at least 90 percent in return Bradley Chubb: Miami Dolphins star feels at least 90 percent in return Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@ and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What makes Miami Dolphins Zach Sieler one of NFL's best DTs
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins MVP Zach Sieler feels 'respect coming' amid contract negotiations
MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins' MVP of 2024 sounds optimistic that he'll soon be paid that way. Defensive lineman Zach Sieler, who is participating in training camp after holding himself out of optional team drills in the spring, sent a signal after the second workout that talks on a new contract are progressing. 'I do feel that respect coming and I think I've earned it,' Sieler said before correcting himself slightly. 'I know I've earned it.' Sieler, 29, has steadily grown since being claimed by the Dolphins off waivers from Baltimore in 2019, enjoying a 2024 season in which he contended for a spot in the Pro Bowl. Problem is, he's due to earn $12.4 million this year and his contract, which was extended in 2023, averages $10.25 million per year — 31st among the NFL's interior defenders. More: Miami Dolphins training camp, Day 2 Thursday practice report: De'Von Achane shines But never in his session with reporters did Sieler make any contract demands. 'God's blessed me with amazing seasons here in Miami,' he said. 'I'm so fortunate to have the time I've had here and continue to have here. Obviously, all that stuff is between me and the team. What I really care about is getting out there on the field with the guys and building that camaraderie and leadership with them.' Sieler had 55 tackles last season and recorded back-to-back years with 10 sacks — something no Dolphin has done since Cameron Wake in 2016-17. He sets the tone for Miami's front seven. Sieler ranks among the best waiver-wire success stories in team history, with an NFL career mimicking his rise from the collegiate ranks. He played at Division II Ferris State and was just a seventh-round draft pick. ZERO TO HERO: Dolphins QB Zach Wilson explains why he chose jersey zero 'We have more than we ever imagined,' he said of his family. 'I am beyond blessed from these last seven years alone. My wife and I love how our life has turned out.' The organization doesn't comment on ongoing negotiations, but there's a strong indication Sieler's situation will have a result opposite that of tight end Jonnu Smith, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers after a contractual stalemate with the Dolphins. 'Everyone's decision is their own path, their own journey,' Sieler said. 'Prayed about it a bunch, talked to my wife, talked to my family and you know, at the end of the day, I'm going to be me — what got me to this point, what's got me here so far, and that's what I'm going to do every day.' Sieler pointed out that most spring workouts were voluntary, but training camp isn't. 'Season's right around the corner, four or five weeks away,' Sieler said. 'And I want to be out here and be with the guys.' This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins' Zach Sieler skipped voluntary workouts but at training camp
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Will Zach Sieler hold out from Dolphins training camp?
Zach Sieler still has two years left on the contract extension he signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2023, but the defensive lineman has clearly outplayed that deal. After he was voted MVP of the Dolphins at the end of the 2024 season, the defensive lineman could be in line for another bump in pay that keeps him in Miami for the foreseeable future. So will Sieler be a full participant at training camp when veterans report Tuesday? His agent Drew Rosenhaus isn't making any promises. While the Dolphins don't have much salary cap space to work with -- less than $2 million, according to Over The Cap -- an extension for Sieler could actually be mutually beneficial. Not only would Miami secure a defensive leader for more years in the future, the team could also work to lower Sieler's cap hit for the 2025 season. After counting just $3.36 million and $6.31 million against the Dolphins' 2023 and 2024 salary caps, respectively, Sieler is due to count $12.45 million in 2025 and $11.5 million in 2026. An extension could potentially lower those 2025 and 2026 numbers by upwards of $5 million each year. On the field, Sieler has been an impactful cornerstone up front with exactly 10 sacks in each of the last two seasons. He's the first Dolphins player to reach double-digit sacks in consecutive seasons since Cameron Wake did so nearly a decade ago. The 300-pound lineman is also among Miami's best run defenders, finishing last season with a career-best 13 tackles for loss. Last year, no Dolphins player was absent from training camp due to contract demands, although quarterback Tua Tagovailoa staged a "hold in" with limited reps through the first few days of practices. But after just a few days of camp, Tagovailoa received a record-breaking deal from the Dolphins.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dolphins' Zach Sieler Could Hold-Out at Training Camp Amid New Contract Negotiations
Dolphins' Zach Sieler Could Hold-Out at Training Camp Amid New Contract Negotiations originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Miami Dolphins defensive end Zach Sieler sits in an interesting position ahead of the 2025 season. Sieler signed a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension with the Dolphins in 2023, with an opt-out option after 2025. Now, Sieler has easily outperformed his contract through the first two years and could be looking to either renegotiate or work on a new extension with his opt-out option coming after this year. Sieler has collected 10 sacks each of the last two seasons and accumulated 24 TFLs, 41 quarterback hits, and 118 tackles. The Dolphins' defensive end has also intercepted multiple passes, including a pick-six, forced a couple of fumbles, recovered three fumbles, and defended six passes over the last two years. Sieler was named team MVP for the 2024 season, and now the rising star could be looking to be paid that way. Chris Perkins: Dolphins' Zach Sieler deserves new contract, but how much and how long? — Sentinel Sports (@orlandosports) July 4, 2025 The South Florida Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins believes Sieler could sit out of training camp if he can't work out a new contract with the Dolphins. Sieler did participate in all team activities throughout this offseason so far, but with the month-long break between minicamp and training camp, Sieler could be looking for conversations to provide a solution before he returns to the field. The top-paid defense tackle in the NFL is the Kansas City Chiefs' Chris Jones, who earns $31.8 million annually. Sieler's $10.25 million annual salary is ranked at No. 29 in the NFL. The only problem for Sieler is his age. The defense lineman will turn 30 in September, and will the Dolphins be willing to pay him as he enters his 30s? However, Sieler is an essential part of the Dolphins' defense and was second on the team in sacks in 2023 behind Bradley Chubb. Sieler has also proven the ability to stay healthy, playing in nearly every game for the last three seasons. When the Dolphins report for training camp at the end of July, Sieler could be one of the top storylines. Even if the defensive end shows up, he could opt not to participate in an attempt to get a new contract negotiated with the Dolphins ahead of what could be his final season in story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
