Sweeping changes to the Miami Dolphins haven’t deterred one defender from wanting to finish his career in South Florida

One of the few remaining veterans on the Miami Dolphins’ defense would like to stay here…for good.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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Oct 31, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Zach Sieler (92) has a discussion with defensive end Christian Wilkins (94) in the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.
Oct 31, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Zach Sieler (92) has a discussion with defensive end Christian Wilkins (94) in the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

There’s change. And then there’s what the 2026 Miami Dolphins have been up to.

With all that change comes tempered expectations — and for some players that can be enough to prompt wanting a change on scenery. Life in the NFL is short and every year could be your last. But for some players, there’s more at play than just offseason expectations or dead cap charges. The Dolphins are fortunate enough to have one of those players leading their defensive tackle room in Zach Sieler.

Defensive tackle Zach Sieler wants to eventually retire with the Miami Dolphins

Oct 31, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Zach Sieler (92) has a discussion with defensive end Christian Wilkins (94) in the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.
Oct 31, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Zach Sieler (92). Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

“I love it here. My home is here. My wife and I love it down here. We want to make a name and I want to retire a Dolphin, so I’ll do whatever it takes to stay here. It’s been exciting. The fan base here is incredible. There’s so much more to Miami than what you think of when you think of South Beach. There’s the whole Everglades, the countryside, all that kind of stuff is incredible, so we love it here.”

— Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler

There’s usually business involved that helps determine whether or not a player will actually get a chance to finish their career in the same place. But Sieler isn’t leaving much room for imagination with his hope to stay in South Florida when he says “I’ll do whatever it takes to stay here”. I don’t think that translates to “I’ll play for nothing” or anything of that sort — but the investment in the organization and the community is something that’s rare and hard to find.

It should mean something. Especially for a franchise that is trying to build up a culture that is invested in one another.

Sieler wasn’t as sharp last season as he was in the previous two. But you saw the flashes of what has become his high standard throughout the year. With more experienced players around him on the interior, he’ll look to give the Dolphins his latest argument why he should get his wish…and keep playing with Miami until he can’t play any longer.

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