Dolphins Lock In Zach Sieler With Big Extension

The Miami Dolphins are securing one of their top defensive players for the future. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team and defensive tackle Zach Sieler have agreed to a three-year extension worth $67.75 million, with $44 million guaranteed. The deal makes Sieler the highest-paid player on Miami’s defense, even though he still has two years left on his previous contract.

From Walk-On to NFL Starter

Sieler’s story is one of persistence and hard work. He was not ranked as a high school recruit and decided to walk on at Ferris State University. After redshirting his first year, he helped the Bulldogs win their conference titles in 2014 and 2015. During the 2015 season, he earned the Defensive Lineman of the Year award and was named the National Defensive Player of the Year.

He repeated those honors in 2016 before sitting out the 2017 season to prepare for the NFL Draft after earning his degree.

Drafted by the Ravens

Even with strong college numbers, Sieler was seen as a gamble after sitting out a year. Still, the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the seventh round of the 2018 draft with the 238th overall pick. That selection became a historic note for Baltimore—it was Ozzie Newsome’s final pick as the team’s general manager. During an emotional draft-day call, Newsome told Sieler, who responded, “I’ll make you proud.”

Struggles in Baltimore and a Fresh Start in Miami

Sieler didn’t make an immediate impact. He appeared in only two games as a rookie and did not make Baltimore’s 53-man roster in 2019. After a short stint on the practice squad and a brief return to the active roster, the Ravens waived him again in December.

The Dolphins claimed him the next day. In just three games with Miami to close the season, including his first career start, Sieler played more snaps than he had in his entire time with the Ravens.

Earning His Place in Miami

Miami signed him for another year in 2020, and he appeared in every game, starting eight of them. That season, he recorded 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss, leading to a two-year, $7.63 million extension during the season.

Over the next two years, Sieler started 24 of 34 games, posting 5.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 132 total tackles. In 2021, Pro Football Focus graded him as the third-best interior defender in the NFL.

Becoming a Star

The Dolphins extended Sieler again in 2023, giving him a three-year deal worth $30.75 million. With that contract in place, Sieler had a breakout season. He started every game for the first time in his career and set personal bests in sacks (10.0) and tackles for loss (22). He also added 63 tackles, four pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.

Last season, he continued that strong play. Despite missing two games with an injury, he matched his 10-sack total, recorded 19 tackles for loss, 55 tackles, two pass deflections, and another interception. He also forced and recovered a fumble. PFF ranked him as the 11th-best interior defender in the league for 2024.

Why the Dolphins Moved Quickly

With double-digit sacks in each of the past two seasons, Sieler made it clear he wanted a new deal, even with two years remaining. After seeing Zach Allen land a four-year, $102 million extension, the Dolphins acted fast, avoiding the risk of Sieler becoming even more expensive with another big year.

A Record-Breaking Draft Class

Sieler’s success also reflects well on Ozzie Newsome’s final draft class in Baltimore. That 2018 group—featuring Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, Orlando Brown, Hayden Hurst, Gus Edwards, and Sieler—has now earned more money in future contracts than any other draft class in NFL history.

From Underdog to Franchise Star

Sieler’s journey from an unranked high school recruit and Division II walk-on to one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive tackles is remarkable. Every step of the way, he has surpassed expectations, proving that hard work and perseverance can change a career.