Former Dolphins $20 Million Talent Finds New Opportunity in Free Agency

Jason Sanders, a former Miami Dolphins kicker, signs with the New York Giants after being released by the team.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion and trajectory of a football being kicked, with the colors of the Dolphins and Giants swirling together in an abstract, fragmented composition.A former Dolphins kicker seeks a fresh start with the Giants, as the team's roster reset opens up new opportunities.Today in Miami

The Miami Dolphins made the difficult decision to part ways with several talented players, including kicker Jason Sanders, in an effort to reset their salary cap situation. Sanders, who earned over $20 million during his eight seasons with the Dolphins, was released after refusing to take a pay cut for the 2026 season. He has now signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the New York Giants, where he will compete for the starting kicker job after the team released veteran Graham Gano.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' decision to release Sanders and other high-priced veterans is part of a larger strategy to rebuild the team with younger, more affordable players. This move, while difficult in the short term, could set the Dolphins up for long-term success if they are able to draft and develop the right talent. For Sanders, the opportunity with the Giants provides a chance to revive his career after missing the 2025 season due to injury.

The details

Sanders, who was Miami's primary kicker for seven seasons, had a strong 2024 campaign, going 12-for-14 on field goal attempts of over 50 yards and missing only four attempts all season. However, with the Dolphins looking to lower their salary cap, they opted to release Sanders, who was set to carry a $5.75 million cap hit for the 2026 season. The Giants, who also had kicker issues in 2025 due to injuries, have now released veteran Graham Gano, opening the door for Sanders to potentially win the starting job in New York.

  • In the 2024 season, Sanders went 12-for-14 on field goal attempts of over 50 yards and missed only four attempts all season.
  • Sanders missed the 2025 season with an injury.
  • The Dolphins released Sanders prior to free agency in 2026, as they tried to lower his salary for the upcoming season.
  • Sanders signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the New York Giants in free agency.

The players

Jason Sanders

A former kicker for the Miami Dolphins who earned over $20 million during his eight seasons with the team. He was released by the Dolphins prior to the 2026 season and has now signed with the New York Giants.

Graham Gano

A veteran kicker who was previously with the New York Giants but has now been released, opening the door for Sanders to potentially win the starting job.

Zane Gonzalez

A free agent kicker signed by the Miami Dolphins this offseason to compete for the starting job.

Riley Patterson

A kicker re-signed by the Miami Dolphins this offseason to compete for the starting job.

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What they’re saying

“Gonzalez's biggest advantages are leg strength and experience. He's made 18 of 28 attempts from beyond 50 yards and was seven of nine from that range last season. He's also got a career-long of 57 yards, which is higher than Patterson's 54.”

— Dante Collinelli, Sports Illustrated Writer

What’s next

The Giants will hold an open competition between Sanders, Ben Sauls, and any other kickers they may sign to determine their starting kicker for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This move highlights the Dolphins' strategy to rebuild their roster with younger, more affordable players, even if it means parting ways with talented veterans like Jason Sanders. For Sanders, the opportunity with the Giants provides a chance to revive his career after a difficult 2025 season, and the competition in New York could lead to him regaining his starting job.