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 follows a challenging season for Sanders, who missed the entire 2025 campaign due to a hip injury sustained in late August.
Sanders, a pivotal player for the Dolphins from 2018 to 2024, was recognized as one of the most dependable kickers in the NFL during that period. His standout year came in 2020, when he earned a first-team All-Pro selection. Over his tenure with the Dolphins, Sanders recorded an impressive 84.6% field goal percentage and a remarkable 99.6% success rate on extra points, contributing a total of 820 points.
The decision to part ways with Sanders stems from the team’s inability to reach a contract agreement. He leaves Miami with a notable streak of 27 consecutive successful field goals and a perfect record of 9-of-9 on field goals of over 50 yards.
Riley Patterson’s Impact
The Dolphins’ confidence in releasing Sanders is largely attributed to the performance of Riley Patterson, who stepped in as the primary kicker last season. Patterson achieved a remarkable 27-for-29 success rate on field goals, translating to a 93.1% conversion rate, alongside an impressive 34-for-35 on extra points, or 97.1%. His contributions included scoring 115 points for Miami and delivering clutch performances in critical moments.
As Patterson enters free agency, the Dolphins are expected to prioritize retaining him, likely at a significantly lower cost than Sanders’ previous contract. This strategic shift reflects the team’s adaptability and commitment to optimizing their roster while managing financial resources effectively.
The release of Jason Sanders marks the end of an era for the Dolphins, who will now look forward to building a competitive squad for the upcoming season, with a focus on securing reliable talent at a more economical price.
