Story by
Veteran defensive lineman says he wants to retire with the Dolphins
- Story by
- Veteran defensive lineman says he wants to retire with the Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are working hard under new head coach Jeff Hafley at their organized team activities over the last two weeks at their Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens.
With this new regime, the Dolphins have made several changes to their roster, including swapping out many talented veterans for rookies and guys on inexpensive, one-year deals.
Advertisement
While Miami has put forth a concerted effort to get young, defensive lineman Zach Sieler remains, as the oldest non-specialist on the roster at 30 years old. At this point, Sieler understands that he's trying to hold off the younger guys from stealing his spot, but he's up for the challenge because he loves what he does and loves where he does it.
"I told Zeek [Biggers] and them from Day 1, you can ask them. I told them, y'all are here to take my job and that's my job not to let you. And there's no hard feelings, the only thing that happens there if my home's not here, it's not here, but I really still feel like it's here," Sieler said. "I love it here. My home is here. My wife and I love it down here. We want to make a name and I want to retire a Dolphin, so I'll do whatever it takes to stay here. It's been exciting. The fan base here is incredible. There's so much more to Miami than what you think of when you think of South Beach. There's the whole Everglades, the countryside, all that kind of stuff is incredible, so we love it here.
"I think these coaches have done a great job of – I told I told them this year, like, look, it's open market, man. Go play, go make a play. There's no ties to anybody. Go out there and win a job. I think when you breed that competition, you start with that from Day 1, you can really do something special here obviously."
Sieler entered the league as a seventh-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL draft out Ferris State, where he earned All-GLIAC honors twice and had his number retired.
Advertisement
Baltimore cut Sieler near the end of his second season, and the defensive line caught on with the Dolphins. During his seven years in South Florida, he's been much better than anyone expected.
In 102 games, he's recorded 353 tackles (59 for a loss), 78 quarterback hits, 35.5 sacks, 16 passes batted, six fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles and two interceptions.
Sieler signed a three-year, $64 million extension with Miami last August that ties him to the team through the 2029 season, when he'll be 34. The Dolphins wouldn't save any money by releasing the defensive lineman before Week 1 this year, but if they're continuing their youth movement next offseason, they could save up to $16 million by moving on then.
For now, it's Sieler's job to prove that he's worth the money and worth keeping around beyond 2026. However, with what he brings both on and off the field, it's hard to see him getting unseated from a job anytime soon.
Advertisement
More Dolphins: De'Von Achane says returning Dolphins WR has been stepping up in OTAs
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Veteran defensive lineman says he wants to retire with the Dolphins
