Dolphins Set Sights on Raiders’ $9M TE Michael Mayer — Seeking Jonnu Smith Replacement
With Jonnu Smith on his way to Pittsburgh in the blockbuster Jalen Ramsey trade, the Miami Dolphins are wasting no time exploring potential tight end replacements. One name has quickly emerged as a front-runner: Las Vegas Raiders’ third‑year tight end Michael Mayer, currently earning about $9 million in the final two years of his rookie deal.
Why the Dolphins Need a New TE Now
Miami’s offense was reimagined after Jonnu Smith’s breakout 2024 season: 88 catches, 884 yards, eight TDs—and his first Pro Bowl appearance (thephinsider.com). Though Smith wanted to stay—calling Miami his “dream team” (thephinsider.com)—he sought a more lucrative contract, entering that unpredictable gray area between desire and negotiation. After trade talks with Pittsburgh cooled (cbssports.com), Miami flipped the script, packaging Smith along with Jalen Ramsey and a future pick to secure Minkah Fitzpatrick in a cap-minded move (washingtonpost.com).
Smith’s departure leaves a hole between elite receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and the Dolphins’ dynamic run game. Miami’s tight end depth chart now rotates through Pharaoh Brown, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner, Hayden Rucci, and rookie Jalin Conyers—decent role players, but none with Smith’s elite pass-catching pedigree (thephinsider.com).
Enter Michael Mayer
Michael Mayer, picked 35th overall in 2023 out of Notre Dame, was expected to follow in the footsteps of Jason Witten: a reliable, well-rounded TE who can block and catch. Despite a modest rookie season (27 catches, 304 yards, 2 TDs in 14 games), Mayer has underperformed against expectations lately—just 21 catches, 156 yards in 11 games in 2024 (new.cbssports.com).
But that stat line tells only part of the story. Mayer is under contract for two more years, and his skill set—versatility, football IQ, blocking prowess—aligns well with Miami’s offense, which values multi-dimensional players. According to the Miami Herald, he’s been on Miami’s scouting radar “for a while” (new.cbssports.com). A change of scenery, and perhaps a larger role, could unlock hidden potential.
What Mayer Offers Miami
- Cap-friendly deal
With two years left at roughly $9M per year, Mayer represents relatively low financial risk compared to the market for top-tier tight ends. - Versatility
Mayer brings both receiving chops and stout blocking—valuable assets in Mike McDaniel’s run/package-heavy scheme. - Untapped upside
His rookie production barely scratched the surface. At 23, a fresh start in Miami could spark growth similar to that of players like Pat Freiermuth or even Smith himself.
️ Strategic Fit for Miami
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter could leverage Mayer in numerous ways. Mayer can complement Hill and Waddle by capitalizing on defenses’ linebacker coverage. His skill set makes him an ideal safety valve for Tua Tagovailoa—especially in play-action or three‑tight formations. And on key third‑and‑short situations or red‑zone sets, Mayer’s blocking adds value beyond the stat sheet.
Potential Trade Outlook
Can the Dolphins swing a trade with the Raiders? It won’t be easy—the Raiders drafted Brock Bowers 13th overall in 2024, signaling their future pivot at tight end (nypost.com, cbssports.com, new.cbssports.com). But Mayer is still young, on a control-friendly contract, and could fetch a mid-round pick if Las Vegas opts to free up space or shift direction.
Miami could offer a swap featuring a 2026 fourth- or fifth-round pick, or sweeten the deal with a young defender like cornerback Noah Igbinoghene. For Las Vegas, the lure of draft capital and financial flexibility may be persuasive.
Timeline & Next Steps
- June 30, 2025: Dolphins executed trade sending Ramsey, Smith, and pick to Steelers for Minkah Fitzpatrick and pick (washingtonpost.com).
- June 30, 2025 (after trade): Reports surfaced that Miami is targeting Mayer (new.cbssports.com).
- Offseason window: Miami now has until training camp hits to bolster its tight end room via trade, free agency, or the draft.
✅ Final Take
Swapping Jonnu Smith for Minkah Fitzpatrick cleaned up the ledger and fortified Miami’s defense. Targeting Mayer suggests the Dolphins aren’t settling—they’re thinking long‑term. Mayer could emerge as a foundational piece in Miami’s offense if nurtured properly.
The key will be whether Miami can land him without overpaying in picks or cap hits. If they can, Mayer could step into Smith’s role and then some—and give Dolphins fans a fresh reason to celebrate their revamped offense.
