MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins have officially moved on from veteran kicker Jason Sanders, releasing him in a series of roster adjustments. In his place, the team has reportedly signed Zane Gonzalez, a former Lou Groza Award winner, to a one-year contract. Sanders, who was sidelined for the entire 2025 season with a hip injury, is slated to join the New York Giants on a one-year deal, according to reports.
Sanders' release, first reported last Friday, signals a significant shift for the Dolphins' special teams unit. The team opted not to activate him from injured reserve in Week 16, a move that paved the way for Riley Patterson to step in. Patterson, in his stead during the 2024 campaign, demonstrated considerable accuracy, converting 37 of 41 field-goal attempts (90 percent) and 26 of 28 extra points across all 17 regular-season games. This performance stands in contrast to the team's struggles during Sanders' absence.
Read More: Taylor Decker leaves Detroit Lions after contract talks fail
Gonzalez's arrival is seen as a potential upgrade, offering an extended scoring range, particularly from 50 yards and beyond. This acquisition comes after a season where the Dolphins were noted for their difficulty in accumulating sufficient points. The team also announced the release of fullback Alec Ingold, further indicating a broader roster overhaul under new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
A Shift in Miami's Landscape
The departures of Sanders and Ingold are part of a larger trend of roster changes within the organization. These moves follow reports that other players, including Tua Tagovailoa, Bradley Chubb, and Liam Eichenberg, have also been released or are expected to depart. The Dolphins have been active in the free agency period, securing players like Zayne Anderson, Lonnie Johnson, and Alex Austin, while seeing others like Tyreek Hill and Julian Hill find new homes.
Read More: Taylor Decker Leaves Detroit Lions After 10 Years Due to Unmet Talks
Sanders, a seventh-round draft pick by Miami in 2018, leaves a notable mark on the franchise's history. He ranks among the top field goal kickers in Dolphins history, with only Olindo Mare having made more. His tenure with the team spanned several seasons, and his release, while perhaps expected given his injury and Patterson's performance, marks the end of an era for the Dolphins' special teams. The club's strategy appears to be a recalibration aimed at strengthening performance across various units.