In a pair of blockbuster trades, the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers shook up their rosters. The Steelers acquired three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, while the Dolphins received All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in return.
At first glance, Miami appears to be on the losing end of the deal, especially with their tight end depth now dangerously thin. The Dolphins will need to find a replacement quickly.
So, what options are currently on the table for Miami?
5 Best Tight End Options for the Dolphins After Trading Jonnu Smith
Smith was coming off the most productive season of his NFL career, earning his first Pro Bowl nod after posting a career-high 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. With no other proven tight end currently on the roster, the Dolphins may be forced to rely on a committee approach, or make a splash by trading for one of the following five players.
Mark Andrews
Since being drafted in the third round in 2018, Andrews has established himself as one of the NFL’s top tight ends, setting multiple franchise records, including career touchdowns. However, he drew criticism from fans after failing to convert a game-tying two-point attempt during Baltimore’s most recent postseason run.
The Ravens also have Isaiah Likely on the roster as a potential replacement, and with Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations starting, it won’t be a surprise if the team decides to save the $11 million in cap space and recoup some draft capital by shipping Andrews out.
Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts has spent his entire four-year career with the Atlanta Falcons, who selected him fourth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. A one-time Pro Bowler, Pitts appeared to be on a superstar trajectory after topping 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie. While he hasn’t fully lived up to that early promise, he’s still viewed as a high-upside talent.
In 2024, he posted 47 receptions for 602 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. Now entering the final year of his rookie deal, his name has surfaced in multiple trade rumors.
Convincing the Falcons to part with him would likely take a second or third-round pick, but Pitts could be worth the price. He has the tools to thrive in Mike McDaniel’s offense and could help offset the loss of Jonnu Smith.
Michael Mayer
Once regarded as the future tight end of the Las Vegas Raiders, Mayer was quickly sidelined after Brock Bowers put up a historic rookie season in 2025.
According to Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald, Miami has previously been interested in Mayer, and with Smith now departed, the two sides may move toward a deal deal.
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
Mayers hasn’t found his rhythm in the NFL yet, catching just 48 passes for 460 yards and two touchdowns in 25 games. As such, he could do with a change of scenery. He’s only due $1.6 million in 2025 and $2 million in 2026 and will likely cost a fifth or sixth-round pick at maximum.
Cole Kmet
Much like what happened with Mayer in 2024, a similar situation could be unfolding for Cole Kmet after the Bears selected Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While Kmet is more likely to remain in Chicago for now, a strong offer from the Dolphins could shift the equation.
Kmet has been a reliable contributor since being drafted in 2020, but his production dipped in 2024, posting a four-year low with 47 catches for 474 yards and four touchdowns in Caleb Williams’ rookie season.
Tyler Higbee
Tyler Higbee stands out as one of the veteran tight end options the Dolphins could target. He’s spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Rams, quietly serving as a dependable presence on several star-studded rosters. His chemistry with Matthew Stafford was particularly evident during the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl run, when he posted a career-high five touchdowns.
Though injuries limited him to just three regular-season games in 2024, the 32-year-old bounced back in the playoffs, recording 12 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. With the Rams drafting Terrance Ferguson in the second round and already having Colby Parkinson in place as a mentor, Higbee could be available for a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
Now facing a major hole at tight end, the Dolphins must decide how to move forward, whether that’s pulling off a trade or relying on a committee. The coming weeks will reveal how Miami plans to fill the void and keep its offense sharp in 2025.