Veteran long snapper Joe Cardona signs with Rams

Cardona joins Rams on two-year deal to improve league-worst special teams

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to terms with veteran long snapper Joe Cardona on a two-year contract. Cardona, who spent the last season with the Miami Dolphins, will replace Jake McQuaide on the Rams' special teams unit led by new coordinator Bubba Ventrone. The 34-year-old Cardona is a former fifth-round pick by the New England Patriots and has won two Super Bowls with the team.

Why it matters

The Rams had the worst special teams in the NFL last season, so improving that unit was a priority this offseason. Cardona brings 10 years of NFL experience and a proven track record of success, having won two Super Bowls with the Patriots.

The details

Cardona, who turns 34 next month, spent the 2022 season with the Miami Dolphins after playing 10 seasons and 160 games with the New England Patriots. He has recorded 25 tackles and one forced fumble in his career. Cardona was originally drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round in 2015 after playing at Navy, where he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve.

  • Cardona agreed to terms with the Rams on Monday, March 10, 2026.
  • Cardona will turn 34 years old next month.

The players

Joe Cardona

A veteran long snapper who spent the last 10 seasons with the New England Patriots before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2022.

Bubba Ventrone

The new special teams coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

Jake McQuaide

The long snapper Cardona is replacing on the Rams' special teams unit.

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What’s next

Cardona will join the Rams and work to improve their special teams unit ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Rams are making a concerted effort to shore up their special teams by bringing in a veteran long snapper with a proven track record of success. Cardona's experience and leadership should help elevate the Rams' special teams unit and make them more competitive in 2026.