Miami reportedly likes young Raiders tight end
The aftershocks from Monday mornings’ blockbuster trade between Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers may affect the Las Vegas Raiders beyond them not ending up with cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was part of the deal.
The Dolphins also sent tight end Jonnu Smith to the Raiders in the trade. Shortly after the deal was made, NFL Media reported Miami is now calling around the league looking for a tight end. A Miami beat writer then reported that the Dolphins have been focusing on Las Vegas third-year tight end Michael Mayer.
Miami has had their eye on Raider TE Michael Mayer for a while. He’s had some on and off-field challenges with the Raiders. But he’s slated to make $1.6M in 2025 and $2M in 2026.
Dolphins also shopping for cornerback help. https://t.co/onpZiK9tWj
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) June 30, 2025
So, the combination of those two reports makes it highly likely that the Dolphins will reach out to Las Vegas about Mayer’s availability.
There were reports early in the offseason that the Raiders would make Mayer available. But he ended up having a strong offseason and new Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll has been highly complimentary of him. So, it’s unknown if the Raiders would have interest in dealing him.
Mayer backs up star Brock Bowers along with free-agent addition Ian Thomas. Mayer, who the Raiders traded up to take him with in the second round (No. 35 overall) in the 2023 draft, has been slow to produce. Mayer, who missed six games in 2024 due to a personal reason, had just 21 catches for 156 yards last season after having 27 receptions for 304 yards as a rookie.
Yet, the Notre Dame product still has been potential and the Dolphins are apparently aware of that.