Former Cougar Zayne Anderson makes debut with Miami Dolphins
By Luke Nielson,
September 15, 2026
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Former BYU safety Zayne Anderson made his first start with the Miami Dolphins against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.In the Dolphins' 27-13 loss, Anderson had five tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defended, ranking fourth on the team in tackles. In 53 snaps, his 80.1 PFF grade ranked third on the Dolphins’ defense. His 74.3 coverage grade ranked fourth on the defense.On 3rd and long Zayne Anderson makes the play to force an incomplete pass. However - unsportsmanlike penalty on Brents.
Not what you want from a veteran on 3rd and long and a stop on it. pic.twitter.com/Had221hPyL— Jason Sarney - Dolphins Wire (@Jason_Sarney) September 13, 2026
After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL draft, Anderson signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and was later released and signed with the Packers. Like so many undrafted players, Anderson made his mark on special teams. He became a trusted special teams ace for Green Bay. As a result he was able to start two games for the Packers at safety.Anderson’s time with Green Bay came to an end after the Packers did not issue him a qualifying tender, making him an unrestricted free agent.Anderson followed former Packers defensive coordinator and current Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley to Miami. Hafley is also the defensive play caller for the Dolphins, and having someone like Anderson, who is familiar with the defense, will be valuable for a first-year NFL head coach.Anderson will have an important role with Miami’s group of safeties this year, which consists of two rookies and two second-year players. Anderson’s veteran leadership and knowledge of the defense will be valuable for a young and inexperienced group of safeties and a rebuilding team.Over his six-year NFL career, Anderson has played in 47 games and totaled 41 tackles, 28 of them on special teams, one interception and one fumble recovery.¡¡SPENCER RATTLER THROWS AN INTERCEPTION, ZAYNE ANDERSON WITH THE PICK!!#Saints 0-24 #Packers / #NFL
pic.twitter.com/ZkzXNYDjut— 𝓟𝓐𝓣 🗽 (@Darts2Leek) December 24, 2024
Anderson’s Dolphins next take the field against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
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byu football
zayne anderson
nfl
miami dolphins
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