The Miami Dolphins began reshaping their roster well before last month, focusing on freeing salary cap space for rebuilding. Recently, the team finalized the release of kicker Jason Sanders and fullback Alec Ingold, signaling a major shift in personnel as part of their ongoing restructuring effort. The Jason Sanders release update reflects Miami’s commitment to cost-cutting amid their roster overhaul.
Veteran Players Jason Sanders and Alec Ingold Let Go
Jason Sanders, who joined the Dolphins in 2018 as a seventh-round draft pick, earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and was entering the final year of his contract. Efforts to negotiate a new deal for the upcoming season collapsed due to a wide gap between Sanders and team management, ultimately leading to his release.
Sanders was slated to earn $4.25 million this season, an amount the Dolphins will save entirely, along with $3.92 million against the 2026 salary cap. His departure represents a meaningful cap relief for the franchise.
Alec Ingold has spent four seasons with Miami after joining in 2022, serving as a reliable fullback and special teams contributor while also gaining respect as a leader both on and off the field. The Dolphins explored reducing his pay, but no agreement was reached, prompting his release.
Ingold was expected to make $3.89 million this year, all of which Miami will save, plus an additional $3.06 million in cap space through 2026.
Cap Space Improvement Creates Flexibility for Miami
Following these moves, Miami currently sits over $5 million below the 2026 salary cap, according to OverTheCap projections. This newfound financial flexibility allows the Dolphins some breathing room as they consider further personnel decisions. Though no additional transactions have been confirmed yet, rapid changes remain a possibility as the team prepares for the next season.
Upcoming Priorities for the Dolphins’ Roster
With the release of key veterans, Miami will likely continue its search to strengthen its quarterback options, especially with Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the team still uncertain. Insider reports highlight several potential quarterback trade targets that could help the Dolphins in upcoming roster adjustments.
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“Miami, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, tried to work out an adjusted contract for Sanders for this season but the sides were too far apart. It spurred his release.” – Adam Schefter, ESPN
“The Dolphins also explored a pay cut with the veteran fullback. It obviously did not come to pass.” – Mike Garafolo
These roster moves reflect a critical period for the Dolphins as they balance salary cap management with competitive ambitions, and the Jason Sanders release update stands as a key example of this ongoing transformation. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch how the team leverages their cap space in the weeks ahead.
After the two sides could not agree on a contract, the Dolphins now are expected to release kicker Jason Sanders, per source. Sanders leaves Miami with a streak of 27 straight made field goals, and 9-of-9 on his last 50+-yard field goals. pic.twitter.com/dowhkjfi48
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2026
The #Dolphins and 2023 Pro Bowl FB Alec Ingold are parting ways, sources tell The Insiders. The three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and team captain had discussions with Miami about a new deal but he will be released and free to sign with a team as soon as today. pic.twitter.com/xGbobcTJF5
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 6, 2026
