The Miami Dolphins have shown confidence in Jason Sanders as their go-to kicker, yet newcomer Jake Bates is starting to turn heads with his remarkable performances in the UFL, signaling that he might be on the radar of Dolphins’ GM Chris Grier soon.
As Bates continues to excel in the UFL, showcasing his ability to nail long-distance field goals with remarkable consistency, the attention he’s garnering isn’t unwarranted. His record boasts two field goals over 60 yards, including a massive 64-yarder and a 62-yard kick, alongside impressive 55 and 52-yarders. His knack for making long shots consistently raises the question: Is it time for the Dolphins to consider Bates?
Jason Sanders, who is locked in with the Dolphins until 2027 with an option to void the final year, has a significant cap hit in the coming years. He’s set to account for $4.5 million against the cap in 2024, with a potential savings of $2.3 million if the team decides to release him, coupled with $2.1 million in dead money. The financial implications of Sanders’ contract become slightly more digestible in 2025, but the potential savings from moving on to a kicker like Bates could be enticing.
Recently, Jake Bates continued his impressive streak in the UFL by sinking another field goal from 60 yards out, adding to his growing list of successful long-distance attempts. This prowess has led many to speculate that Bates will land in the NFL sooner rather than later, as evidenced by a tweet from Ari Meirov highlighting Bates’ achievements.
The question of whether the Dolphins should pursue Bates in the offseason looms large, especially considering Sanders’ fluctuating performance since his career year, which secured him a contract extension. Despite a promising start with a 90 percent conversion rate in his rookie year and a stellar third year with a 92 percent rate, Sanders has since struggled to surpass an 85.7 percent conversion rate.
While Sanders boasts the experience and has shown high levels of skill, particularly with a career-long 57-yard field goal made in 2023, the introduction of Bates could spark a healthy competition within the team. Bates, a former college kicker from Texas State and Arkansas, who briefly spent time with the Texans in the NFL, has made a statement in the UFL, converting seven out of nine field goal attempts, four of which have been from significant distance.
The notion of bringing in Bates isn’t about replacing Sanders outright but fostering competition to enhance performance. Given Bates’ short but impressive kicking record in the UFL and his untapped potential, the Dolphins might find it beneficial to evaluate him closer this offseason. Introducing competition, even among kickers, is a tactic many NFL teams employ during training camp, signaling that Bates’ addition could be a strategic move to ensure the Dolphins have the best possible option when it matters most.