Dolphins DT Zach Sieler Drew Trade Interest

The out-of-contention Dolphins didn’t orchestrate a fire sale before Tuesday’s trade deadline, but they also didn’t sit on their hands. Interim general manager Champ Kelly pulled off one significant move in sending outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles for a third-round pick.

It was no surprise the Dolphins cut ties with Phillips, a pending free agent. On the other hand, considering Zach Sieler signed a three-year, $67.75MM extension with Miami in August, parting with the defensive tackle would have raised eyebrows. Teams inquired about Sieler’s availability ahead of the deadline, but the Dolphins “weren’t entertaining” offers that didn’t involve a high Day 2 draft pick, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports.

Sieler began his NFL career as a Ravens seventh-round pick in 2018 (Ozzie Newsome‘s last selection as their GM), but he didn’t blossom until he the joined the Dolphins on waivers in December 2019. The former Ferris State Bulldog began breaking out in 2020, and he impressed enough during the ensuing couple of seasons that ex-Dolphins GM Chris Grier signed him to a three year, $38.65MM extension in August 2023. Sieler responded with back-to-back 10-sack seasons, leading Grier to authorize the D-lineman’s latest extension last summer.

Grier is now out of the picture in Miami, having lost his job on Halloween after the team’s abysmal showing over the first several weeks of the season. Sieler has surprisingly been among the Dolphins’ struggling players during a 2-7 start. The 30-year-old hasn’t recorded a sack in 2025, while his three QB hits place him well behind his typical pace (he combined for 41 from 2023-24). Pro Football Focus ranks Sieler’s performance 91st out of 122 qualifying linemen.

While Sieler will finish the season in Miami, he could be a name to watch during the offseason. Unless the Dolphins promote Kelly to a full-time post, they’ll likely hire someone from outside to lead their front office. Should teams that were interested in Sieler before the deadline circle back to him in 2026, they may have a better chance to acquire him if Miami has a new regime.