REPORT: Dolphins Could Put Zach Sieler and Austin Jackson on Trade Block
The Miami Dolphins’ 0-4 start to the 2026 season has already shifted much of the conversation from what this team can accomplish this year to what moves the organization could make for the future.
Now, two veteran Dolphins players are being mentioned as potential trade candidates.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora of Casino.org listed defensive lineman Zach Sieler and offensive tackle Austin Jackson among players the NFL could move before the November 10 trade deadline.
As Miami rebuilds its roster and may look to accumulate additional draft capital, both players could make sense as trade chips over the next several weeks.
Zach Sieler Could Draw Significant Interest
Of the two names, Sieler would seemingly have considerable value around the league.
La Canfora reports that NFL teams have taken notice of Sieler, who continues to command double teams along Miami’s defensive front despite not having much established talent surrounding him.
Sieler is also attractive because of his contract.
According to La Canfora, Sieler carries a base salary of just $1.3 million this season, which will increase to $12.7 million next year.
One salary-cap expert told La Canfora that an acquiring team could essentially view a trade as getting Sieler for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027 for roughly $13 million in salary, depending on when a deal takes place.
For a contender looking for immediate help along its defensive line, Sieler could be an appealing target.
The bigger question for Miami would be whether the draft compensation is substantial enough to justify moving one of the team’s best and most reliable defensive players.
Sieler is now in his 30s, and if the Dolphins believe their rebuild will take multiple seasons, this could be a chance to turn an established veteran into additional draft capital.
However, Miami shouldn’t trade Sieler just to make a move. If the return isn’t significant, keeping a productive veteran around a young defense also has value.
Austin Jackson Also Mentioned as Potential Trade Candidate
La Canfora also identified Dolphins offensive tackle Austin Jackson as a player who could generate interest.
Jackson’s situation is considerably different from Sieler’s.
At 27, Jackson is still relatively young for an offensive lineman and has extensive starting experience. His ability to play tackle could make him especially attractive to a contender dealing with offensive line injuries.
La Canfora reports that Jackson’s reworked contract is also relatively easy for another team to absorb.
Most importantly, Jackson is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the season.
If Miami doesn’t view Jackson as part of its long-term plans, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan could choose to get something for him now rather than let him leave in free agency.
Offensive tackle depth is always at a premium in the NFL, and injuries across the league between now and November 10 could increase Jackson’s market value.
Even a team that doesn’t view Jackson as an immediate starter could value him as an experienced swing tackle who can step into the lineup if needed.
Dolphins Have a Decision to Make
The Dolphins’ poor start puts Sullivan and the front office in a tough spot.
Miami entered the season with one of the youngest rosters in football and made no secret that the organization was attempting to build something sustainable rather than chase short-term success.
A 0-4 start only strengthens the case for a long-term approach.
That doesn’t mean the Dolphins should conduct a fire sale.
Young players and veterans who fit Miami’s long-term vision should remain part of the foundation. But players who may not be around when the Dolphins are ready to seriously contend again should at least generate conversations before the deadline.
Sieler represents the more fascinating decision.
Trading Jackson would be relatively easy to understand if Miami isn’t planning to re-sign him after the season. Sieler, however, remains one of Miami’s most accomplished defensive players and could stay productive beyond this season.
That means the asking price should reflect his value.
Could More Dolphins Become Available?
Sieler and Jackson may not be the last Dolphins names mentioned before the trade deadline.
At 0-4, Miami is approaching the point where the organization must evaluate the value of winning games in 2026 against opportunities to acquire assets that could help accelerate its rebuild.
Contending teams will inevitably suffer injuries over the next month. When they do, phones around the NFL will start ringing.
Miami could be one of the teams receiving plenty of those calls.
According to La Canfora, league executives already expect Jackson to be available, while Sieler’s production and affordable short-term salary could make him a prime target.
Whether the Dolphins actually pull the trigger remains to be seen.
But with the November 10 NFL trade deadline approaching, Dolphins fans should be watching Zach Sieler and Austin Jackson.