Miami Dolphins make Zach Sieler highest-paid defensive participant with $67.5m extension

The Miami Dolphins have handed a three-year contract extension to defensive deal with Zach Sieler as they aim a surge within the NFL this season.

The deal is valued at as much as $67.75 million, together with $44m assured, and marks a big leap from his earlier contract.

With a median annual worth of $22.5m, Sieler now ranks among the many league’s prime earners at his place and turns into Miami’s highest-paid defender.

Sieler initially signed a three-year, $30m extension in 2023, however his continued manufacturing – notably back-to-back 10-sack seasons – warranted an up to date deal.

Until now, he had ranked simply twenty ninth amongst NFL defensive tackles when it comes to common annual wage, solely marginally forward of Browns rookie Mason Graham.

Reflecting on Progress

A revered staff captain, Sieler acknowledged the significance of securing a brand new contract, however admitted that staying current together with his teammates was simply as important.

“Everyone’s their own human. They can handle things how they want,” Sieler mentioned final month.

“This is how I select to deal with it, however I hope the message that places out there’s that, at finish of the day, we’re right here to play soccer.

“Now clearly that stuff’s essential to me – the respect and the cash that my household will get and makes from this sport.

“We give all of it on the road each single day, and I’m going to proceed to do this every single day.

“But to be able to go out there and work despite everything, I think I’m trying to show that you can go out there and play your best ball and still work through stuff without having to compartmentalize things.”

Head coach Mike McDaniel was filled with reward for the 30-year-old, highlighting his consistency and dedication amid contract discussions.

“I think you define yourself by your actions, most of all in life,” McDaniel mentioned.

“I’m very conscious that each one gamers have a selection in what they do on a day-to-day foundation, particularly with Zach, and his actions converse – and I feel his teammates very a lot acknowledge how Zach Sieler performs soccer and contributes to the constructing every single day.

“And I think Zach has a vision of a team that I share and he understands as a leader, he’s trying to show guys how he wants teammates to play football and I’m excited every time I see Zach Sieler.”

From Underdog to Cornerstone

Sieler’s journey to NFL prominence has been something however standard. He entered the league as a seventh-round draft decide (238th general) in 2018 by the Baltimore Ravens.

Though waived by the Ravens the next yr, the Dolphins claimed him instantly – a transfer that has since paid off handsomely.

After posting a modest 9 sacks over his first three seasons in Miami, Sieler broke out with 10 sacks in each 2023 and 2024, main the staff in every marketing campaign.

His disruptive presence has not gone unnoticed throughout the league, both. Since the beginning of the 2023 season, solely the Ravens’ Justin Madubuike has recorded extra quarterback hits than Sieler’s 41.