The Dolphins bolstered their special teams unit by signing veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez. A seventh-round draft pick in 2017 by the Cleveland Browns, Gonzalez has kicked for seven teams over a nine-year career, including the 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons.
1. Answering the bell
Gonzalez began the 2025 season as a free agent but finished it as a stabilizing force for the Falcons kicking game. Signed on Nov. 5, Gonzalez was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his Week 12 performance against the Saints. He converted three field goals, including two from beyond 50 yards, in the Falcons' 24-10 win. He earned the same honor against the same opponent in Week 18 when he connected on all four field of his goals in a 19-17 win, giving Atlanta a sweep over New Orleans.
Gonzalez connected on 19 of his 22 field goals and 17 of his 18 extra point attempts during his time in Atlanta. Two of the missed field goals came from beyond 50 yards as Gonzalez was a big part of the Falcons second-half turnaround. The team went 5-4 in the second half of the season with Gonzalez going 13-for-14 on field goals in the five victories.
2. Lou Groza Award winner
A unanimous All-American and the 2016 Lou Groza Award winner for the best kicker in college football, Gonzalez's 116 career field goal attempts stand today as an FBS record. He made 96 of those field goals and totaled 492 points over a four-year career with the Arizona State Sun Devils. He left Tempe as the Pac-12's all-time points record holder, school record holder for field goals made and the only Arizona State kicker to make multiple 50-yard field goals in the same game.
3. Reuniting with Chris Tabor
Gonzalez's best NFL season was the 2021 campaign when he made 20 of 22 field goals for the Carolina Panters. In addition to a 90.9 success rate, including a perfect 17-for-17 from under 50 yards, Gonzalez made all of his 55 point-after tries.
The special teams coordinator for those Panthers was Chris Tabor, who was hired last month by Jeff Hafley in Miami.
For more analysis and insight on the Dolphins new acquisitions, download the Drive Time podcast with Travis Wingfield.
