Dolphins Reportedly Eyeing Raiders' Tight End After Blockbuster Trade

The Dolphins and Smith had been negotiating between contracts and potential trade partners throughout the offseason, so it's not a surprise the Dolphins have been keeping tabs on a potential replacement.

Mayer was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Raiders and has played 25 games in silver and black.

The Raiders' tight end's production has been lackluster over his two years in the NFL, catching 48 passes for 460 yards and two touchdowns. However, a large part of that was due to Raiders' rookie tight end Brock Bowers.

The Georgia product took over in 2024, setting the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie and most receiving yards by a rookie tight end in history. Bowers reeled in 112 catches for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season.

With Bowers' emergence, Mayer seems to be a perfect target for the Dolphins, as the Raiders could move on from the third-year tight end and get something in return.

The Dolphins' current tight end options are Pharoah Brown, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner, Jalin Conyers, and Hayden Rucci.

Brown brings a veteran presence for the Dolphins with seven years in the league, but has never eclipsed 207 receiving yards in a season. Hill and Connor have combined to catch 21 passes in their two years with the Dolphins, and Conyers and Rucci are both rookies.

Mayer would be a valuable weapon to add for the Dolphins, likely at a low cost. The tight end is in the third year of his four-year rookie contract and owed just $3.6 million over the next two years.

Although Mayer hasn't produced stellar numbers in his first two years in the NFL, he's flashed the ability to produce the way he did at Notre Dame.

With the Fighting Irish, Mayer caught 180 passes for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns in three years. The standout tight end earned All-American honors in his final season and caught nine touchdown passes.

The Dolphins need to make some moves following the blockbuster trade this morning. Not only will they be in the market for a tight end, but Kelly reported they'll also be looking for cornerback help after trading their No. 1 option.