The Miami Dolphins should be done trading veterans — but if they’re not, Zach Sieler’s numbers are worth knowing
The Miami Dolphins have shipped out several high-priced veterans this offseason. They should be done — but if they aren’t, Zach Sieler’s cap numbers offer some relief.
The exodus of talent out of South Florida this offseason has been massive. The Miami Dolphins have bid farewell to several high-priced veterans. Tua Tagovailoa? Gone. Tyreek Hill? Adios? Jaylen Waddle? So long. Bradley Chubb? Out.
With all of those players gone and Miami’s youth movement fully underway, the team’s list of leaders is lean. So is the payroll. And, accordingly, the team must be conscious not to strip things down too far — or else they run the risk of doing more harm than good. From that standpoint, the Dolphins should probably be done. But in the event that the team finds interest for their remaining veterans, the numbers behind Zach Sieler’s contract are worth knowing.
The Miami Dolphins SHOULDN’T trade DT Zach Sieler but if they do, here are the numbers
Sieler’s got unquestioned value in a defensive tackle room with three second-year players. His journey and development from a former small-school, 7th-round draft pick and waiver wire claim to team captain is tremendous. And with young players coming through the pipeline, that mentorship (and a return to form in 2026) would be well worth the money.
But if a contending team eyes Sieler as a potential upgrade piece for their own defensive line? A reasonable offer would be worth considering.
If Miami gets one, the Dolphins stand to gain cap space since this trade will be happening after June 1st. That is, of course, unless the trade happens after August 31st. On that date, Sieler’s $14.91 million option bonus is due — and Miami will need to pay that out. Here’s the full numbers for either scenario:
Pre August 31st trade:
– 2026 dead cap charge: $6.602 million ($4.817 million in cap savings)
– 2027 dead cap charge: $12.404 million ($8.380 million in cap savings)
September 1st or later trade:
– 2026 dead cap charge: $9.584 million ($1.835 million in cap savings)
– 2027 dead cap charge: $24.332 million (Negative $3.548 million in cap savings)
So here’s the deal: if the Dolphins pay out Sieler’s 2026 option bonus of $14.91 million by 8/31, you may as well hold him for the rest of the season. Trading him after that point is going to net the team negative salary cap savings in 2027. The kind of offer it would take to justify such a move is…handsome. Not likely one that Miami will see, either. Just keep it in mind — Sieler’s window for 2026 security is on hold for a little more than a month. I’d guess (and am hoping) that he’s here. But the financials are worth considering for the right offer, should it come along.
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