Dolphins' Veteran Defensive Tackle Zach Sieler Deemed Most Overpaid Player

30-year-old DT with 35.5 career sacks is on a 3-year, $64 million extension through 2029.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:52pm

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According to a Bleacher Report analysis, the Miami Dolphins' most overpaid player on their current roster is 30-year-old defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who is on a 3-year, $64 million contract extension through the 2029 season. Sieler had a down year in 2025 after back-to-back 10-sack seasons, raising concerns about the long-term value of his lucrative deal.

Why it matters

The Dolphins have been active in roster reconstruction this offseason, cutting ties with expensive veteran players. Sieler's big contract stands out as a potential albatross on the team's books, especially if his production continues to decline as he enters his 30s.

The details

Sieler, who turns 31 in September, signed a 3-year, $64 million extension with the Dolphins that kicks in starting in 2027. After recording 10 sacks in both 2023 and 2024, his production dropped to just 5.5 sacks in 2025. The Dolphins can potentially move on from Sieler as a post-June 1 release in 2027, but his contract is still seen as an overpay for his current level of play.

  • Zach Sieler turns 31 on September 7th, 2026.
  • Sieler's 3-year, $64 million extension with the Dolphins begins in 2027.
  • The Dolphins can potentially release Sieler as a post-June 1 cut in 2027.

The players

Zach Sieler

A 30-year-old defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins who is on a 3-year, $64 million contract extension through the 2029 season.

Tua Tagovailoa

The former Dolphins quarterback who was released by the team this offseason.

Malik Willis

The Dolphins' new quarterback who recently signed a $67.5 million deal with the team.

Tyreek Hill

The Dolphins' star wide receiver who has a large contract on the team's books.

Bradley Chubb

The Dolphins' star pass rusher who also has a significant contract with the team.

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What they’re saying

“There isn't much competition here. Sieler is one of just two Dolphins with an AAV north of $10 million, and let's give Malik Willis a moment to settle in. Sieler isn't a bad player, but he's on the wrong side of 30 now, and his numbers declined across the board in 2025. His three-year, $64 million extension doesn't even kick in until 2027.”

— Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Dolphins will monitor Sieler's production over the next couple seasons to determine if they can move on from his contract in 2027 as a post-June 1 release, which would save them significant cap space.

The takeaway

Sieler's big contract stands out as a potential problem for the Dolphins' roster reconstruction efforts, especially if his play continues to decline as he enters his 30s. The team will have to carefully evaluate whether to keep him long-term or look for ways to get out of the deal in the coming years.