jason sanders remains a key reference point in Miami’s special-teams reset after the Dolphins released the former kicker earlier this month, and the team has now agreed to a one-year deal with kicker Zane Gonzalez.
What happens when the Dolphins move on from Jason Sanders?
The Dolphins released former kicker Jason Sanders earlier this month after he missed the 2025 season due to injury. With that decision as the backdrop, Miami has agreed to a one-year deal with Zane Gonzalez, a move that clarifies the team’s immediate direction at the position as free agency continues.
The agreement with Gonzalez was disclosed by agent Mike McCartney.
What if Zane Gonzalez’s recent production carries over to Miami?
Gonzalez, 30, spent the latter half of last season kicking for the Falcons. In nine games, Gonzalez connected on 19-of-22 field goals and 17-of-18 extra points. That stretch represents his most recent on-field kicking sample before agreeing to terms with Miami.
Gonzalez’s career path has included multiple stops and interruptions. He started his pro career as a Browns seventh-round pick in 2017, then kicked for the Cardinals for a couple of years. He missed the 2022 season with a quad injury and the 2023 season with another injury. After 2021, he again appeared in a regular season game with Washington in 2024.
What happens next for Miami’s kicking position?
Miami’s one-year agreement with Gonzalez sets a short-term horizon for the position. The move arrives after the release of jason sanders and establishes Gonzalez as the kicker now tied to the Dolphins on a one-year deal.
Beyond the contract length and Gonzalez’s recent kicking line with Atlanta, the next phase will be defined by how the role stabilizes on the field. For now, the Dolphins’ latest special-teams decision is straightforward: Jason Sanders is out, and Zane Gonzalez is in on a one-year agreement.
