Miami Dolphins brace for NFL trade deadline: 'I've loved my time here'

MIAMI GARDENS — As the clock wound down on the Miami Dolphins’ 19-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov. 8, another clock started ticking for some of the franchise’s most familiar veterans.

The NFL trade deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m., and several Dolphins, including defensive lineman Zach Sieler and offensive tackle Austin Jackson, have surfaced in league trade speculation.

Sieler, 31, and Jackson, 27, have spent a combined 15 seasons with Miami. But with the Dolphins 1-7 and in the midst of an extensive roster rebuild, either could be moved for assets that might help shape the franchise’s future.

For players, though, a rebuild becomes much more personal when they are among the assets that could be moved.

Jackson, the No. 18 overall pick by Miami in the 2020 NFL Draft, has started 67 games at four positions along the Dolphins’ offensive line.

He started all but one game in 2023, at the explosive peak of the Mike McDaniel era. Three years later, Jackson is enduring the other side of that cycle as Miami tears down and reshapes its roster.

Standing in front of his locker Sunday, Jackson said he’s grateful for his time in Miami, regardless of what happens over the next two days.

“I want to go wherever wants me,” Jackson said. “I love the Dolphins. I’ve loved my time here.”

Last week, Jackson expressed a similar sentiment when discussing the “end of my career.” He simply wants to play somewhere he’s part of the franchise’s future plans.

It’s a uniquely uncontrollable situation for players accustomed to dictating nearly every aspect of their preparation, from workouts and conditioning to recovery.

Josh Uche understands that uncertainty, too.

The 28-year-old edge rusher is enjoying one of his best NFL seasons. He has started seven games for Miami this year, one more than he started over his previous six NFL seasons combined.

Uche said he’ll spend the next 48 hours preparing as though he’ll be with the Dolphins when they play the Indianapolis Colts next week.

“I’m just going to go home, take care of my body and hang with my peoples,” Uche said. “I’ll attack the day as if I’m going to be here.”

Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins brace for NFL trade deadline: ‘I’ve loved my time here’