After years of ranking among the league’s poorest units, the Miami Dolphins are finally revamping their special teams. The initial step was taken soon after the 2024 NFL season as the Dolphins bid farewell to their long-standing special teams coach, Danny Crossman.

Coach Mike McDaniel chose Craig Aukerman, the former Tennessee Titans coordinator, to step into Crossman’s shoes, aiming to revitalize the team’s underperforming special teams. The specific changes Aukerman intends to implement in the return game and other facets remain uncertain, but one area ripe for enhancement is the punter position.

Jake Bailey has been adequate, yet it was evident that change was looming. With a fresh coordinator, it was expected that Aukerman would begin recruiting his preferred players. As reported by Justin M of The Draft Network, the Dolphins have indeed secured free agent punter Ryan Stonehouse. At 25, Stonehouse boasts the highest two single-season punting averages in NFL history, achieving 53.10 yards in 2022 and 53.06 in 2023, with a slight dip to 50.6 in 2024.

In comparison, Bailey’s averages were 47.1 yards per punt in 2024 and 45.7 yards in 2023. With Stonehouse, Miami gains nearly an extra 10 yards per punt, plus he’s two years younger. Furthermore, Bailey’s 2025 salary comes with no guarantees, as noted by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Releasing him would only cost the team $550K against the cap, making it a likely move given Stonehouse’s clear superiority.

The lingering question is whether this will affect Jason Sanders. I initially thought Bailey might stay due to Sanders’ exceptional performance, converting 37 out of 41 field goals in 2024. Will this disrupt Miami’s kicking prowess? Tennessee’s kicker Nick Folk had a 95.5% conversion rate in 2024, slightly surpassing Miami’s 90.2%. I’m confident it won’t pose an issue at all. #InRyanStoneHouseWeTrust