Dolphins Work Out K Daniel Carlson

That will keep Zane Gonzalez in place as Miami’s kicker for the time being. He re-signed with the team’s practice squad during their Week 6 bye and took over for Riley Patterson, who was released due to kickoff issues. Gonzalez is out of game day elevations, so the Dolphins will need to promote him to the 53-man roster to use him moving forward.

Gonzalez, 31, has made five of seven field goals (71.4%) and all five extra points in three games for the Dolphins, including both of his attempts from 50 yards or longer. That is well below his career average and the 86.4% mark he posted last year. 

Carlson, comparatively, converted just 66.7% of his field goals during his seven-game stint with the Saints this year with a three-of-seven mark from 50-plus and two missed extra points. Originally a Vikings fifth-round pick in 2018, he was cut two games into his rookie year. He landed with the Raiders that October and spent eight seasons with the franchise that included two All-Pro selections. His field goal conversion rate slipped to 81.5% in 2025 – his lowest since 2019 – and the Raiders did not bring him back this year.

Carlons landed in New Orleans on an inexpensive deal and was released after his rough start to the season. His career numbers are far better, but he has now hit his sixth straight year of decline. Veteran kickers have a way of sticking around in the NFL, but Carlson will likely need to prove his play has not fallen off a cliff to earn another contract.