Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Dolphins Sign Rookie Free Agent Long Snapper From Alabama

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Scott Salomon | Last updated May 9, 2025 6:22 PM ET

Among the 16 rookie free agents the Miami Dolphins agreed to terms with following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft was Alabama Crimson Tide long snapper Kneeland Hibbett.

It might just look like a training camp signing, but Hibbett has a legitimate chance to make the team. The Dolphins terminated the contract of its veteran long snapper Blake Ferguson on Thursday. Hibbett will take part in Miami's rookie minicamp which started Friday and runs through Sunday.

The Dolphins did, however, sign journeyman long snapper Joe Cardona on Friday, but there will be a competition in training camp to see who will win the job. Hibbett will be the only long snapper in rookie minicamp.

Hibbett started all 13 games for Alabama as a senior. He was originally a walk-on for former head coach Nick Saban, but earned a scholarship during the 2024 fall camp and eventually emerged as a semifinalist for the Mannelly Award, which is presented each year to the nation's top long snapper. He did not have one bad snap his senior season.

Hibbett told his hometown newspaper he was getting nervous as no team called him or texted him during the seven-round draft.

The call from his agent regarding the Dolphins was a call he will never forget.

“Pick number one to 257, I didn’t get a text message or call like talking about we might be thinking about taking you here,” Hibbett said. “So as soon as the draft finished, it was just, you know, very I mean, I was nervous, really nervous. And, you know, finally getting that call from my agent in Miami, dude, it meant the world.”

Hibbett said he could not have gotten this far without help from his family, coaches and teammates.

“This is a combined goal for everybody,” Hibbett said. “This is an accomplishment for so many people who’ve helped me get to this point. And you know, there are more people that I can count on my hands that were responsible for helping me get to this point. You know, my mom definitely being the first one.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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