The Miami Dolphins have secured kicker Riley Patterson for another season after his impressive showing last year. Patterson stepped up when the Dolphins needed him most, filling in for the injured Jason Sanders and making 27 of 29 field-goal attempts. That's a stellar 93.1 percent success rate, folks.
Patterson showcased his range by nailing three out of four attempts from beyond 50 yards, with his longest being a booming 54-yarder. He also proved reliable on extra points, missing just one out of 35 attempts. This consistency led to the Dolphins parting ways with Sanders, setting the stage for a potential kicking showdown this offseason.
Patterson will face competition from Zane Gonzalez, who is expected to join the Dolphins soon. This sets up an intriguing battle as both kickers vie for the starting spot.
Over his five-season career, Patterson has been a bit of a journeyman, appearing in 61 games across stints with Detroit, Jacksonville, Cleveland, the New York Jets, Atlanta, and Miami. He's made 90 of 103 field-goal attempts, an impressive 87.4 percent.
Originally entering the league as an undrafted free agent with Minnesota in 2021, Patterson has steadily built a reputation as a reliable leg. Now, he looks to solidify his place in Miami's lineup and continue his upward trajectory in the NFL.