Dolphins re-signing Jake Bailey, keeping Miami’s 2023 punter from free agency
The Miami Dolphins will have the same punter and holder for consecutive seasons for the first time since 2020.
Jake Bailey is re-signing with the Dolphins, according to multiple reports Friday afternoon including Bleacher Report and ESPN.
Bailey was set to hit unrestricted free agency in the upcoming week. After signing with Miami last offseason, he will be down for a two-year deal.
Continuity with the three specialists — kicker, punter and long snapper — has been a goal of special teams coordinator Danny Crossman, who was retained this offseason. As kicker Jason Sanders and long snapper Blake Ferguson are under contract, the Dolphins will also bring back Bailey for at least a second season. Bailey also handles holds for Sanders on field goals and extra points.
In 2023, Bailey averaged 45.7 yards per punt with a net average of 40.7. He had a long of 66 yards and 20 of his 53 punts were downed inside the 20-yard line.
Miami last retained a punter from the previous season in 2020, Matt Haack. In 2021, the Dolphins brought in former St. Thomas Aquinas punter Michael Palardy and had Thomas Morstead in 2022 before initially signing Bailey last offseason.
Bailey spent his first four NFL seasons with the New England Patriots and was a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2020.
