On Tuesday, during the second day of free agent discussions, the Miami Dolphins secured their next place kicker.
The franchise finalized a one-year agreement with Zane Gonzalez, as confirmed by an announcement from his agent, Mike McCartney, a detail corroborated by another source within the league.
Gonzalez, set to turn 31 prior to the upcoming season’s commencement, boasts a seven-season NFL career, having successfully converted 81% of his field goal attempts.
His most recent season saw him play in nine games for the Atlanta Falcons, where he made 19 out of 22 field goals. He also went 5 of 7 for the Washington Commanders in 2024.
Gonzalez has been active in the NFL over the past two years, returning after sitting out 2022 with the Carolina Panthers due to a preseason groin injury, and then 2023 with the San Francisco 49ers because of a quadriceps issue.
This move to Miami marks a reunion for Gonzalez with Chris Tabor, the Dolphins’ new special teams coordinator. Tabor previously coached Gonzalez as a rookie with the 2017 Cleveland Browns and later with the Panthers. Gonzalez’s career also included three partial seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, sandwiched between his tenures with the Browns and Panthers.
Miami had an open spot for a kicker following the release of Jason Sanders last week, a decision that freed up $3.9 million in salary cap space for the team. Sanders had been the Dolphins’ kicker since 2018, but a hip injury sustained last preseason prevented his return for the 2025 regular season.
Taking his place last year, Riley Patterson successfully converted 27 of 29 field goal tries for the Dolphins.
Under the guidance of Tabor and new coach Jeff Hafley, Miami is in the midst of restructuring its special teams unit. This includes the need to find a new punter, as Jake Bailey has inked a deal with the Falcons. Additionally, long snapper Joe Cardona is currently a free agent.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, the Dolphins formalized a contract with quarterback Malik Willis, following their announcement of Tua Tagovailoa’s release. They also re-signed tight end Greg Dulcich, but saw offensive linemen Cole Strange and Larry Borom, along with Bailey, depart for other teams. Furthermore, Miami executed a trade, sending safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick.