The Miami Dolphins have officially released kicker Jason Sanders, a decision that will free up $3.9 million in salary cap space for the team. This move comes after Sanders missed the entire 2025 NFL season due to a hip injury sustained in late August.
During his tenure with the Dolphins from 2018 to 2024, Sanders established himself as one of the most reliable kickers in the league. His standout year was in 2020, when he earned first-team All-Pro honors. Over his career in Miami, he achieved an impressive 84.6 percent field goal percentage and successfully converted 99.6 percent of extra point attempts, scoring a total of 820 points.
Despite his successful track record, the Dolphins were unable to come to terms on a new contract with Sanders, leading to his release. Notably, he departs the team with a remarkable streak of 27 consecutive field goals made, including a perfect record of 9-for-9 on field goals over 50 yards.
Riley Patterson’s Impact
The Dolphins’ decision to part ways with Sanders was largely influenced by the strong performance of kicker Riley Patterson during Sanders’ absence. Last season, Patterson converted 27 of 29 field goal attempts, resulting in an impressive success rate of 93.1 percent. Additionally, he made 34 of 35 extra point attempts, achieving a conversion rate of 97.1 percent. He contributed 115 points to the Dolphins’ scoring, proving to be a clutch player in critical moments.
With Patterson poised to enter free agency this offseason, the Dolphins are expected to pursue re-signing him at a more affordable rate than what Sanders was set to earn. This strategic maneuvering aligns with the team’s goals of maximizing their salary cap flexibility while retaining a talented kicker.
As the Dolphins move forward, they are likely to explore options that will bolster their roster while ensuring financial stability. The release of Sanders marks a significant shift for the team, reflecting both the impact of injuries and the emergence of new talent within the organization.
