Dolphins Sign Veteran Long Snapper Joe Cardona from Patriots

The Miami Dolphins have signed veteran long snapper Joe Cardona, formerly of the New England Patriots, after releasing Blake Ferguson. Cardona, a fifth-round pick by the Patriots in 2015, was their longest-tenured player and part of two Super Bowl-winning teams before being released following the Patriots drafting a new long snapper, Julian Ashby. This move gives the Dolphins a reliable and experienced long snapper, as Cardona posted one of the higher Pro Football Focus grades among long snappers in 2024. Rookie Kneeland Hibbett, signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent from Alabama, will compete alongside Cardona during training camp, though Cardona is currently expected to be the starter. The signing also reunites Cardona with former Patriots teammate punter Jake Bailey on the Dolphins roster. The Dolphins' long snapper position, which was a need after Ferguson's release and prior injury issues, is now considered more secure with Cardona's addition.