Former Patriots LS Joe Cardona signs with AFC East rival
Cardona had spent his first 10 years in New England.
The Patriots-to-Dolphins pipeline continues to grow.
Longtime Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona signed a contract with Miami, the team announced Friday.
Cardona, 33, was released by New England on April 29 in a surprising move.
The former Patriots core special teamer had spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Patriots before being released. Cardona, a two-time Super Bowl champion, was drafted by New England in the fifth round of the 2015 draft.
Throughout his Patriots career, he started 160 games. Cardona started 140 consecutive contests to begin his career until he suffered a torn tendon in his foot in Dec. 2022.
Additionally, before being released by New England, he was the last Patriot on the roster to be teammates with Tom Brady. Head coach Mike Vrabel’s decision to part ways with Cardona signaled a true end to the Brady-Bill Belichick dynasty era.
During Friday’s media availability, Vrabel was asked about releasing Cardona.
“I think anytime that you have to move on from players that have been at a place and that have been a part of successful football teams, it just comes down to our ability to acquire a player that we believe in strongly, and we just felt like that was the best decision to go with Julian [Ashby],” Vrabel said. “We’re going to have two young kickers that we’re going to be trying out, and after working Julian out, I think it became evident that that was probably what was in the best interest of the team.
“I have a lot of respect for Joe and what he’s done here. We tried to do that in the most respectful way possible and give him an opportunity to go and catch on.”
The Patriots drafted Ashby in the seventh round of this year’s draft, days before releasing Cardona.
Cardona will see some familiar faces with the Dolphins. Kicker Jake Bailey (2019-22) and tight ends Pharaoh Brown (2023) and Jonnu Smith (2021-22) all played with him in New England.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com