As free agency approached, the Dolphins attempted to retain veteran kicker Jason Sanders on a renegotiated, smaller deal, but a contract could not be reached and Sanders was released. Sanders, a Miami fixture since 2018, ended his tenure as the franchise leader in field goal percentage and second in points scored, while enduring a major hip injury that sidelined him for most of the 2025 season.
Sanders’ exit opened competition for Miami’s kicking job, with the club subsequently signing veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez. Miami has also re-signed Riley Patterson, who set a franchise-record for field goal percentage in 2025, though his long-range accuracy from beyond 50 yards remained limited.
Analysts note Gonzalez offers leg strength and extensive experience, including a higher career-long from 50-plus yards than Patterson. He also has familiarity with Miami’s new special teams coach from a prior stint with the Cleveland Browns, which could influence the kicking competition this season.
In other roster movement, the Dolphins confirmed their ongoing emphasis on improving the salary cap situation, while new and returning special teams players hint at a more competitive kicking room ahead of the 2026 season. The franchise’s offseason strategy reflects a broader rebuild effort aimed at stabilizing finances while trying to restore on-field consistency after recent challenges.
This summary reflects the latest developments involving Miami’s kicking decisions and overall roster approach as the team navigates free agency and cap considerations.
