The Miami Dolphins are reportedly moving in a new direction at kicker, bringing in Zane Gonzalez on a one-year deal.
The Miami Dolphins are cost-cutting at every juncture of this free agency, especially after the team announced they would cut and absorb the massive $99.2 millon dead cap hit on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
With dwindling cap space, the expectation is the Dolphins will continue to bring in free agents that are on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of money. That could be the case for the new kicker that has reportedly been signed, Zane Gonzalez.
Per his agent, Gonzalez has signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins.
While the money has not been made available just yet, it would appear the former Atlanta Falcons placekicker is cheaper than what Riley Patterson would have cost.
Patterson took over for the injured Jason Sanders and put together an impressive year. He set the franchise record with a 93.1 kicking accuracy percentage, breaking the record Sanders set in 2020 with 92.3.
Patterson also had a 97.1 accuracy percentage on extra points, was 11-for-11 on kicks in the 40-49 yard range, and three-for-four on kicks at 50 yards or more.
Considering the season, Patterson's price may have risen quite a bit, as he was brought in on a one-year deal. If he were seeking a long-term contract that made him a high-paid kicker, it makes sense for the Dolphins to move on.
Gonzalez has played for several teams since the 2017 season. After a two-year stint with the Cleveland Browns, he joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, where he remained through 2020. He would then join the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
Gonzalez missed the 2022 season due to a quad injury, did not play in 2023, and joined the Washington Commanders in 2024. Most recently, he spent half the 2025 season with the Falcons.
As a member of the Falcons, Gonzalez played in nine games, going 19-for-22 attempts for an 86.4 accuracy percentage. He went 8-for-8 on kicks in the 40-49 yard range and 7-for-9 on kicks over 50 yards.
Gonzalez is a veteran kicker who may have come at a lower price due to his injury history. While Patterson was the move that would have made more sense, bringing him back would have likely cost the front office more than what they can afford currently.