The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to re-sign a couple key defensive pieces during the tampering period but still have their work cut out for them after the initial free-agency spending. If they want to pick up where they left off in 2025, they'll need to keep adding reinforcements on defense. In particular, the interior defensive line and the pass rush could use upgrades in the upcoming months.
The Jags could take care of both needs in the draft, but a local beat writer just offered an alternative that could give their defensive trenches a massive boost.
The Jaguars are being urged to check if the Dolphins are trading Zach Sieler
Following the Jaylen Waddle trade, Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union urged the Jaguars to give the Miami Dolphins a call about the availability of Zach Sieler. While O'Halloran doesn't offer a reason, it's easy to connect the dots.
Now, there are no credible reports that the Dolphins are shopping Sieler, but it wouldn't hurt the Jags to get in touch with them. After all, they are currently rebuilding, with general manager Jon Eric-Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley leading the way. The new Miami regime will want to bring in as many of their guys as possible and draft players that fit their vision. They'll make it happen by trading players they inherited from the past administration.
So why would Jacksonville may want to pursue Sieler? The answer is easy. A seventh-round selection by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, he was traded to the Phins just one year later. The Ferris State standout was a late bloomer, registering just 10 sacks in his first six seasons. However, he hit his stride in 2023, registering 10 sacks that year.
The past three years, Sieler has posted 25.0 sacks. The fact that he's managed to get after the quarterback even though he's played inside and outside makes his success even more impressive. If he had that kind of impact with their Jaguars, he would turn their pass rush into a force to reckon with.
On a related note, O'Hallaran also suggests the Jags check if running back De'von Achane is available, but their backfield is set with Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten. That said, Achane could most definitely help teams that are in need of reinforcements at running back.
Why the Jaguars should trade for Zach Sieler
Defensive tackle is arguably the Jaguars' biggest need, and Zach Sieler would most definitely take care of it. Even though he's listed as a defensive end, he mostly lines up in the interior trenches. Nevertheless, the versatility to play over the tackle or on the edge would give defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile plenty of scheme versatility.
Sure, Sieler is 30, but it doesn't look like he's slowing down. And with the Philadelphia Eagles reportedly not shopping defensive tackle Jalen Carter, he would be the Jags' best option to bolster their interior defensive line.
This begs the question, why would the Dolphins trade Sieler if he's an integral piece of their defense? As noted before, they're undergoing a rebuild, and the Miami brass needs to get as many resources as possible to revamp the roster. Trading Sieler would help them achieve that.
Sure, the Jaguars could wait until the draft to add a defensive tackle, but it would also make sense to trade for a proven commodite such as Zach Sieler.