Dolphins Sign Ex-Lou Groza Award Winner to Replace All-Pro Kicker

Zane Gonzalez joins Miami after strong 2022 season with Falcons

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins have signed kicker Zane Gonzalez to a one-year contract, replacing longtime kicker Jason Sanders. Gonzalez, the 2016 Lou Groza Award winner, hit seven field goals of 50 or more yards last season for the Atlanta Falcons. The Dolphins struggled with their kicking game in 2025 after Sanders was injured, and Gonzalez's long-range accuracy should provide a boost to the team's special teams.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' kicking game was a weakness in 2025, and the team is hoping Gonzalez' strong leg and proven track record can help improve their scoring efficiency, especially on longer field goal attempts. Gonzalez' signing is an important move as the team looks to get their offense back on track under new quarterback Malik Willis.

The details

After cutting longtime kicker Jason Sanders, the Dolphins have signed Zane Gonzalez to a one-year deal. Gonzalez, the 2016 Lou Groza Award winner, hit 7 field goals of 50+ yards for the Falcons last season. The Dolphins struggled with their kicking game in 2025 after Sanders was injured, and Gonzalez' long-range accuracy should provide a boost to their special teams.

  • The Dolphins cut kicker Jason Sanders on March 6, 2026.
  • Zane Gonzalez and the Dolphins agreed to a one-year contract on March 10, 2026.

The players

Zane Gonzalez

A kicker who won the Lou Groza Award in 2016 and hit 7 field goals of 50+ yards for the Falcons in 2022.

Jason Sanders

The Dolphins' longtime kicker who made the All-Pro team in 2020 but was released ahead of free agency.

Malik Willis

The Dolphins' new starting quarterback who will be tasked with getting the team's offense back on track.

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What they’re saying

“Zane Gonzalez gives the Dolphins an extra boost after a season where the team couldn't score enough.”

— Matthew Davis, Author (Newsweek)

What’s next

Gonzalez will look to prove his long-range accuracy can help the Dolphins' offense improve on their 25th-ranked scoring output from 2025.

The takeaway

The Dolphins are hoping Gonzalez's strong leg and proven track record as a long-distance kicker can help shore up their special teams unit and provide a boost to their scoring efficiency as they look to rebound from a disappointing 7-10 season.