The Miami Dolphins have officially secured one of the NFL’s most productive interior defenders for the long haul. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler has signed a three-year contract extension worth up to $67.75 million, including $44 million guaranteed, according to reports from ESPN and NFL.com. The deal makes him the highest-paid defensive player in Dolphins history and one of the top‑paid DTs in the league by average annual value.

Sieler’s journey to stardom is one of NFL perseverance. A seventh-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, he was waived early in his career but claimed by Miami in December 2019. Over six seasons in South Florida, he transformed into a full-time starter and a force in the middle of the Dolphins’ defensive front.

His breakout came in 2023 with 10 sacks and consistent elite play carried into the 2024 season: 55 combined tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and one forced fumble. Pro Football Focus gave him a 78.6 overall grade, ranking him 12th among 219 qualifying interior defenders. Now he has a chance to further extend his legacy in Miami.

A Rewarding Deal for a Rewarding Player

Sieler’s contract nearly doubles his average annual salary, raising it to around $22.5 million per year, up from roughly $10 million under his previous deal. With $44 million guaranteed, the extension reflects the Dolphins' confidence in his durability and impact.

Coach Mike McDaniel praised Sieler’s professionalism throughout negotiations. Despite uncertainty around his future, Sieler showed up to mandatory minicamp and training camp every day – a demonstration of leadership that resonated deeply with Miami’s coaching staff and roster.

The timing of Sieler’s deal is particularly significant for Miami’s defense. The team is navigating the offseason after losing cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers and safety Jevon Holland to the Giants, weakening their back end. This extension provides continuity and a foundational piece in their bid to return to playoff contention after finishing 8–9 last season.

As training camp progresses, injuries have piled up elsewhere, intensifying the need for leadership from the trenches. While right tackle Austin Jackson recovers and fullback Alec Ingold enters concussion protocol, Sieler remained steadfast, present, focused, and now, fully invested in Miami’s future.

Leadership Remains Strong

Sieler was an active participant in mandatory minicamp and the first ten days of training camp despite ongoing negotiations with the franchise, underscoring the professional standard he sets for teammates. A team captain, he emphasized that while the money and respect earned for his family matter greatly, “at the end of the day, we’re here to play football”.

Former Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who played with Sieler in 2019–20, publicly endorsed him, saying that if Sieler were a first‑round pick or paid based on production, he’d already be making north of $20 million per year – placing him among names like Leonard Williams or DeForest Buckner.

With the extension locking Sieler in through 2027, the Dolphins can anchor their defensive strategy around him, especially if pressure weapons Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb return to full form. Sieler’s production behind a rotating cast suggests he is as much a stabilizer as he is a playmaker.

For Sieler, this contract represents financial security and recognition of a career built through sacrifice – from a seldom‑used rookie to a cornerstone franchise figure. It’s a testament not just to performance, but to character.