Dolphins ink defensive tackle while negotiating deal with another

The Miami Dolphins have a dynamic duo on the defensive line and at least one will be with the club for the foreseeable future. 

On Sunday, Miami agreed to terms with defensive lineman Zach Sieler on a three-year contract worth up to $36.85 million with $20 million guaranteed. The contract places Sieler in the top 20 highest-earning defensive tackles for the upcoming season.

The fifth-year veteran has proven to be a pillar of consistency since joining the Dolphins. He's appeared in 53 games after coming on as a waiver claim from the Baltimore Ravens in 2019, having not missed a game. 

Sieler has performed like one of the top interior defensive linemen for the past two seasons posting a career-high grade of 84.9 grade in 2021. While his overall grade dipped in 2022, he played over 400 more snaps than any other season of his career. 

He finished the 2022 season fourth in solo tackles (49) and tied for first in forced fumbles (2). Despite his consistent production, he's often overlooked and Pro Football Focus ranked him as the top underrated player on Miami's roster for the upcoming season.

With one piece of the interior duo of Sieler and teammate Christian Wilkins locked up, attention now turns back to Wilkins. Wilkins has sat out of practices and preseason games while his agent and Miami negotiate a new deal. 

Wilkins is hoping to be paid as one of the top defensive tackles in the league after watching multiple players at his position get big raises this offseason. 

He's currently set to play this season on a fifth-year option that will pay him a fully guaranteed $10.8 million. Miami has the ability to franchise tag the fourth-year pro following this season but a contract agreement of some kind is the best-case scenario for all sides. 

Both Wilkins' and Sieler's production are similar with Wilkins being the better pass rusher with 23 more QB pressures. With Opening Day quickly approaching, there will soon be clarity on whether a deal with Wilkins will be reached or potentially wait until next offseason.