The Miami Dolphins have added Alabama long snapper Kneeland Hibbett as one of their 16 rookie free agents following the 2025 NFL Draft. This signing comes on the heels of the Dolphins releasing veteran long snapper Blake Ferguson, creating an opportunity for Hibbett, who has a strong chance to make the final roster.

Hibbett was a standout during his senior year at Alabama, starting all games and becoming a semifinalist for the prestigious Mannelly Award for the nation’s top long snapper. His journey from walk-on to scholarship player under Nick Saban underscores his determination and skill, having not recorded a single bad snap in his final season.

With rookie minicamp underway, Hibbett is the only long snapper participating, setting the stage for a competitive battle against newly signed Joe Cardona during training camp for the long snapper position.

Joe Cardona, the former long snapper for the New England Patriots, has found a new home with the Miami Dolphins after being cut by the Patriots. With ten seasons of experience and two Super Bowl championships, Cardona brings reliability and significant game-day experience to the Dolphins. His departure from New England aligns with the team's transition under new coach Mike Vrabel, who is focused on building a younger roster, highlighted by the recent draft of rookie long snapper Julian Ashby.

As the NFL offseason progresses, Cardona's fresh start with the Dolphins could revitalize his career, especially given his belief that he still has more to give at age 33. The move has raised eyebrows among Patriots fans, many of whom were disappointed by the team's decision to release such a seasoned player. With Cardona now in the AFC East, the rivalry between the Dolphins and Patriots may take on a new dimension in the upcoming season.

The Miami Dolphins are moving on from Blake Ferguson, their long snapper since 2020, after he missed significant time last season due to health issues. The team announced the signing of veteran Joe Cardona, who previously spent 10 seasons with the New England Patriots, winning two Super Bowls. Cardona's arrival will create competition for the position, particularly impacting undrafted rookie Kneeland Hibbett out of Alabama. This addition comes as the Dolphins look to solidify their special teams, having used multiple long snappers during Ferguson's absence last season.

With Cardona on board, he will likely compete with current punter Jake Bailey and former Titans punter Ryan Stonehouse for the long snapping role. Special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman is keen to build a stable unit, especially after the challenges faced last year when the team rotated through several players due to Ferguson's illness. As the Dolphins prepare for the season, this strategic move appears aimed at ensuring consistency in the special teams unit.

Joe Cardona's departure from the New England Patriots marks a poignant point in the franchise's history. After ten years, the Navy-trained long snapper, who was a key figure during the team's Super Bowl victories, took the time to bid farewell to the staff and teammates at Gillette Stadium. Cardona, who was known for his professionalism and dedication, expressed his gratitude, reflecting on the relationships he built over the decade. With the Patriots drafting a rookie long snapper, the transition signals a broader shift within the team as they aim to rebuild under coach Mike Vrabel.

The New England Patriots surprised many by selecting long snapper Julian Ashby from Vanderbilt in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft. This move illustrated their intent to secure a player they perceived as a valuable asset, especially with multiple teams reportedly interested in Ashby. The Patriots, having amassed numerous draft picks, opted to invest in Ashby rather than risk losing him as an undrafted free agent.

Ashby had workouts with nine teams before the draft, with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer present at one of these sessions. The decision to draft Ashby also suggests the Patriots are looking to move on from veteran long snapper Joe Cardona, whose ten-year tenure with the team is coming to an end. While saying goodbye to a long-time player is difficult, the Patriots see promise in Ashby’s future.