The Miami Dolphins are placing a heavy emphasis on the kicking game.

Miami is signing placekicker Jason Sanders to a five-year, $22 million extension that includes $10 million in guaranteed money, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. The extension runs through the 2026 season.

The Dolphins talent has rapidly proved himself one of the best kickers in football.

The former New Mexico product broke into the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick in 2018. Sanders eventually earned the placekicker job, making 18 of 20 field goal tries and 35 of 36 extra point attempts.

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It seemed as though the kicking competition would be reopened after Sanders converted 23 of 30 field goals in 2019, including just five of nine tries from 40-49 yards. But he quickly got back on track with a stellar 2020.

Sanders made 36 of 39 field goal attempts in 2020, and was perfect 36-for-36 on extra points. The 25-year-old ranked in a tie for second with eight field goals from 50-plus yards, also ranking second in field goals made between 40-49 yards. He was named First team All-Pro for his efforts.

Miami was aggressive in locking up Sanders, who was previously scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2022. He now becomes the highest-paid kicker in football in terms of total value, per Over The Cap. Only Baltimore Ravens star Justin Tucker and Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott rank above Sanders in terms of guaranteed money.

The Dolphins are hoping to improve upon an 11-5 season in 2020, and might have quarterback decisions to make going forward. But the Sanders extension ensures Miami will retain one of the best kicking games in football, an ever-underrated component of the sport.