On May 9, 2025, the NFL world was stunned by the news that former New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona had officially signed with the Miami Dolphins, a direct rival in the AFC East. Cardona, 33, spent 10 seasons with the Patriots, contributing to two Super Bowl championships and earning a reputation as one of the NFL’s most reliable and consistent long snappers.
A Decade-Long Journey with the Patriots
Joe Cardona joined the Patriots as a fifth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. With exceptional skill and professionalism, he quickly became an indispensable part of New England’s special teams unit. Throughout his tenure, Cardona showcased remarkable durability, rarely missing a game. Beyond his on-field excellence, he was a leader in the locker room, earning respect from teammates and coaches alike.
Cardona also gained recognition for his dedication off the field. As a lieutenant in the United States Navy, he balanced his football career with military service, becoming an inspiration to fans and the broader community.
A Shocking Departure from New England
The Patriots’ decision to part ways with Cardona caught many by surprise, especially as the team undergoes a rebuild under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Sources indicate this move aligns with New England’s strategy to rejuvenate the roster, focusing on younger talent. A clear sign of this shift was the selection of rookie long snapper Julian Ashby in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
This decision also marks the departure of several other Patriots veterans, including notable names like Jonathan Jones, Deatrich Wise Jr., David Andrews, and Ja’Whaun Bentley. These moves reflect a broader restructuring effort, prioritizing the development of young players and creating opportunities for new faces.
New Chapter with the Miami Dolphins
Cardona’s signing with the Miami Dolphins is shocking not only because he joined a divisional rival but also because Miami is actively looking to bolster its special teams unit. With his wealth of experience and proven reliability, Cardona is expected to bring significant value to the Dolphins, particularly in field goal and punt situations. The signing underscores Miami’s ambition to compete more fiercely in the ultra-competitive AFC East, home to strong teams like the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.
An in-AFC-East move: the Dolphins have signed former Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona, who spent his first 10 NFL seasons in New England. pic.twitter.com/azr15WvWKY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 9, 2025
Reactions from Fans and Analysts
Patriots fans have expressed disappointment across social media, mourning the loss of a key contributor like Cardona after a decade of service. Many believe he deserved to stay given his immense contributions. Meanwhile, NFL analysts have praised the Dolphins’ move, viewing the signing as a savvy addition to enhance special teams consistency.
The Road Ahead for Cardona and the Patriots
For Cardona, joining the Dolphins offers a chance to continue proving his worth in the later stages of his career. While he no longer wears a Patriots jersey, his legacy in New England will endure in the hearts of fans. For the Patriots, letting go of Cardona is a gamble, with its success hinging on rookie Julian Ashby’s ability to step up and the long-term vision of Coach Vrabel.
Joe Cardona’s new journey with the Miami Dolphins is sure to be a compelling storyline in the 2025 NFL season. Fans of the AFC East are eagerly anticipating the drama when Cardona faces his former team on the field.