In Miami Gardens, Zach Sieler of the Miami Dolphins is set to take on a larger role this season. Last preseason, Sieler secured an extension, while his teammate Christian Wilkins, another standout defensive lineman, opted to play out the final year of his rookie contract and eventually signed a lucrative four-year, $110 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Wilkins now elsewhere, the Dolphins are banking on Sieler to deliver comparable performance at a fraction of the cost, with Sieler’s 2024 salary being $6.3 million compared to Wilkins’ $27.5 million annual contract. In 2023, Sieler recorded impressive stats including 63 tackles, 10 sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and an interception returned for a touchdown.
However, the question remains whether Sieler can maintain his effectiveness as the primary anchor on the defensive line, having previously played alongside Wilkins for the majority of five seasons. To support Sieler, the Dolphins have assembled a new group of defensive linemen through offseason acquisitions such as Benito Jones, Teair Tart, Jonathan Harris, Da’Shawn Hand, Neville Gallimore, and Brandon Pili, who made the team last year as an undrafted rookie.
Anthony Weaver, the Dolphins’ new defensive coordinator and a former NFL lineman himself, aims to deploy a rotational strategy similar to a tsunami’s waves, emphasizing freshness and energy late in games. Sieler anticipates increased attention from opposing offenses but remains confident in the Dolphins’ ability to rotate players effectively and maintain defensive versatility.
Despite the turnover in personnel, including the departure of Raekwon Davis to the Indianapolis Colts, Sieler is optimistic about building chemistry with his new teammates and believes their collective effort will be key to success in crucial moments of games. As the Dolphins continue to assess their roster and explore potential additions, Sieler and the defensive line are poised to play a pivotal role under the guidance of Weaver’s adaptive defensive schemes.
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