The Miami Dolphins are shaking things up on special teams, and it's all about adding some serious competition. With a roster that’s been getting a Green Bay Packers vibe, their special teams unit is leaning more towards an Atlanta Falcons look.
First up, the Dolphins welcomed kicker Zane Gonzalez, who spent last season with Atlanta. He’ll be vying for the starting job against Riley Patterson, who’s also back in the mix.
The punter position is heating up too. Seth Vernon, with a year under his belt, now faces a tough challenge.
The Dolphins have brought in veteran Bradley Pinion, a seasoned punter and kickoff specialist. Pinion, who’s been in the NFL since 2015, brings experience from stints with the 49ers, Buccaneers, and Falcons.
With a career average of 44.5 yards per punt and an impressive record of placing 271 punts inside the 20-yard line, he’s a formidable contender.
But that’s not all. The Dolphins are also rekindling some familiar ties by bringing back Taybor Pepper, who will compete for the long snapper position against Tucker Addington. Pepper, who started his NFL journey with the Packers and had a previous stint with the Dolphins in 2019, returns after five seasons with the 49ers.
These changes come as the Dolphins bid farewell to several key special teams players. Long snapper Joe Cardona has moved to the Rams, punter Jake Bailey is now with the Falcons, and kicker Jason Sanders has signed with the Giants.
With a new special teams coordinator at the helm, Miami is clearly aiming for a fresh start. While Malik Washington is expected to continue as the returner, keep an eye on TuTu Atwell, who might just step into that role as the season progresses.
The Dolphins are making bold moves, and their special teams unit is set for a dynamic transformation. It’s all about creating competition and finding the right mix to make an impact this season.