MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler can't help but hear his name mentioned with the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching.
"I know people say rumors or talk whatever this time of year, but I'm here focused playing games here, win as a Dolphin, man," Sieler said before a Week 7 game at the New York Jets.
Sieler, 31, is a Dolphins captain. It's his eighth season in Miami.
Sieler is known for his lunch pail mentality, relentless motor and lead-by-example work ethic.
Sieler is also a highly-logical trade candidate. The Dolphins are in full-on rebuild mode. And Sieler, with 37.5 career sacks, could help a contending team down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Zach has played in 113 regular season games, and only one playoff game.
Asked if he was open to being traded to a contender, Sieler said: "I love it here. I've been here for how long? I want to win here as a Dolphin."
Then Sieler complimented Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley.
Even though Sieler has the intangibles that are helpful to young Miami players, Sullivan ― in our view ― has no choice but to seriously consider moving Sieler at the deadline.
And Sullivan has a responsibility to consider trading almost anyone who another team calls about.
Austin Jackson? Sure.
Josh Uche? Yep.
Jaylen Wright? Why not.
JuJu Brents? Well ― you have to listen.
Sullivan has smartly based all 2026 decisions on the long-term benefit of the franchise.
That means that if a team offers a mid-round pick or some type of advantageous pick swap, Sullivan has to listen. And he probably has to take action.
NFL Trade Deadline: Miami Dolphins must consider trading almost anyone
If the Dolphins move Sieler, and it means more snaps for Zeek Biggers, Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips, well, so be it.
If the Dolphins move Jackson and it means Kadyn Proctor moves to right tackle or Caedan Wallace goes into the lineup at right tackle, so be it.
If Jaylen Wright goes and Kaytron Allen is elevated to RB2 ― well, you know.
The Dolphins would like to "stockpile" more picks in 2027 and 2028 as they attempt to turn a franchise corner. At the moment, there is not an enormous stockpile.
Sullivan is sure to explore any and all options to add picks, even if they're not in the first two rounds. There's nothing wrong with adding a third or fourth (even if giving back a fourth, fifth or sixth) or just adding a fifth or sixth.
Sullivan believes in his ability to draft well and the Dolphins ownership believes in him, too.
Sieler, the veteran defensive tackle, said recently: "I'm excited to see this team growing and where we're going and get some wins."
It's unlikely the Dolphins will earn more than a few wins in 2026.
It's likely Sullivan will have any and all cell phones charged on Nov. 10, trade deadline day.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Threads and Instagram and X at @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why the Dolphins should listen on Zach Sieler and nearly everyone else
