A look at the kicker, punter, and the entire Miami Dolphins special teams ahead of training camp.
To wrap up the last of the training camp primers, it is important to look at the Miami Dolphins' special teams unit. While the entirety of the players won't be broken down, this is a look at the kicking and returning unit.
With field goals being very important, the Dolphins had to sign Riley Patterson, who is now the presumed main place kicker. There is some competition in the room that could be interesting to watch.
That said, here is a look at the special teams unit ahead of training camp.
Dolphins Special Teams Players on the Roster
Riley Patterson - K
As stated above, Patterson was signed above as a result of the injury to former veteran Jason Sanders. Sanders had set the franchise accuracy goal back in 2020, with 92.3, but that was surpassed.
Patterson came in as relief but showcased his skills as a kicker, securing a 93.1 accuracy percentage in 2025. He was also 11-for-11 in kicks from 40-49 yards out, and 3-for-4 in kicks from 50+ yards out.
Zane Gonzalez - K
Oddly enough, the Dolphins chose to keep Zane Gonzalez on the roster to be the immediate competition to Patterson. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley talked about competition at every level, and that is why Gonzalez is here.
Gonzalez had an 86.4 accuracy percentage in 2025, but if he finds a way to outkick Patterson in training camp, he could very well steal the starting job.
Bradley Pinion - P/H
Longtime veteran punter Bradley Pinion came over from the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent the last four seasons. His 45.1 yards per punt average was good for 10th in the league, as were his 64 points.
Tucker Addington - LS
There isn't much to say about long snappers, but Tucker Addington is a longtime veteran who was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 and now joins the Dolphins in 2026.
Malik Washington - KR
Malik Washington may be a player to watch out for a bigger role in the passing game, but he will also be the chief kickoff returner.
Washington had a 26.8 kickoff return yard average across punt and kickoff returns, along with 1,652 all-purpose yards on that front.
Return backups:
Tahj Washington
Ollie Gordon II
Biggest Dolphins Special Teams Questions
Will Patterson earn the starting role?
It stands to reason that Patterson should run away with the kicking job, but the Dolphins made it be known they want the best roster possible. That could lead to a potential mistake of passing him over for Gonzalez.
Who will join kickoff returns?
There is a host of new young players who can be added to the return game. If Washington takes up more of a receiving role primarily, he may be asked to back off returns in favor of a player who emerges as the solid option.
More training camp primers:
