Jason Sanders’ Future with the Dolphins in Question as Riley Patterson Shines
The Miami Dolphins face a pivotal moment as kicker Jason Sanders is on the brink of what could be deemed a lost season. Despite being under contract for another year, uncertainty looms regarding his return in 2026. Sanders has been sidelined all season, nursing a peculiar hip injury he sustained during pregame warmups in the preseason. Now, as he practices for the third consecutive week, the question arises: will the Dolphins activate him for their season finale against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday?
Riley Patterson’s Impressive Performance
In Sanders’ absence, Riley Patterson has stepped into the spotlight, winning the kicker battle and performing admirably. His season has been nothing short of remarkable; Patterson has successfully converted 26 of his 28 field goal attempts, boasting an impressive 92.8% success rate. With one more game to play, he stands on the brink of surpassing Sanders’ team record for field goal accuracy, which is currently 92.3%, set in 2020. Should Patterson maintain his form against the Patriots, he could not only solidify his position but also raise questions about Sanders’ future with the team.
Special Teams Coordinator’s Insights
In discussions about the upcoming matchup in Massachusetts, special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman hinted at the Dolphins’ potential approach. With temperatures expected to hover around 32 degrees, Aukerman drew parallels to a previous game in Pittsburgh, noting that Patterson is accustomed to kicking in less-than-ideal conditions. “Riley is used to kicking on snow anyways, for where he came from,” he remarked, alluding to Patterson’s experiences with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets.
Aukerman also assessed Sanders’ practice performance, revealing a cautious optimism. “He’s been out there doing some kicks and longer field goals… we know we feel Riley’s been doing a really good job,” he stated. The emphasis on Patterson’s excellence—hitting over 90% on field goals and excelling on kickoffs—suggests that the Dolphins may prefer to let Patterson cap off his standout season rather than risk Sanders’ return.
The 2026 Kicker Situation
Patterson’s journey with the Dolphins began with a tryout that featured notable competition, including Greg Joseph, Zane Gonzalez, and Eddy Piñeiro. After securing a one-year contract at the veteran minimum, he is set to become an unrestricted free agent next March unless the Dolphins choose to extend his deal. His performance has undoubtedly given Miami ample reason to consider keeping him around.
Meanwhile, Sanders, who signed an extension in 2021, has one year left on his contract along with a void year in 2027. However, the financial implications of his contract cannot be ignored. Releasing Sanders could free up nearly $4 million in cap space, a crucial consideration as the Dolphins navigate their financial landscape. Given Patterson’s success at a lower cost, the organization may feel inclined to make the switch permanent.
As the Dolphins prepare for their season finale, the future of both kickers remains uncertain, with Patterson’s strong showing casting a long shadow over Sanders’ once-secure position. The next steps could change the landscape of Miami’s kicking game for years to come.
