Despite not winning the AFC East in 2023, the Miami Dolphins had one of their best seasons in recent memory. While they came short of the Super Bowl, falling in the Wild Card Round to the Kansas City Chiefs, they could very well have Super Bowl aspirations in 2024.
However, to make that jump, they’ll need to improve their roster from top to bottom. One of the positions they need to improve the most is tight end. What are some of the best fits for the Dolphins at TE end?
Dolphins Free Agency Predictions: Tight End Targets
The Dolphins’ offense was the best in the NFL, thanks to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his vault of weapons. Those weapons included Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, and more.
However, despite the high-flying offense, the Dolphins lacked in one spot in particular: tight end. Durham Smythe was the team’s starter, followed by Julian Hill, Tyler Kroft, and Tanner Conner. Smythe ended up finishing the year with 35 receptions for 366 yards and no touchdowns.
Bring Back Mike Gesicki
Well, well, well, who could’ve seen this coming? Gesicki spent the first five seasons of his career with Miami, totaling 231 receptions for 2,617 yards and 18 touchdowns as one of the better receiving tight ends in the NFL. However, the Dolphins cut Gesicki prior to 2023, with him ultimately signing with the rival New England Patriots.
His one season with the Patriots didn’t go as he’d hoped for, catching just 29 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. A return to Miami could potentially revitalize Gesicki’s career at 28, going on 29 years old, and could provide an improved receiving threat for Miami.
The main concern for Gesicki in Miami would be his run blocking, which was a key factor in his initial release last go-around.
Steal Hunter Henry From Rival Patriots
If they don’t want to steal Gesicki back from the Patriots, the Dolphins could take the Patriots’ other tight end, Hunter Henry. Henry spent the last three seasons with New England, totaling 133 receptions for 1,531 yards and 17 touchdowns.
He spent the first five years of his career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, totaling 196 receptions for 2,322 yards and 21 TDs. In total, he has 329 career receptions for 3,853 yards and 38 scores.
According to Spotrac, Henry has a market value of $7.5 million a year. Going on 30 years old, he’s projected to receive a one-year deal worth the said $7.5 million.
Shoot Big With Noah Fant
While both Gesicki and Henry are older and more proven, the Dolphins could go another route that might offer a higher reward. Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant is set to hit free agency at just 26 years old, and the former first-round pick could take the Dolphins’ offense to the next level.
Taken 20th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, Fant has been an up-and-down player over his career. He has 252 career receptions for 2,805 yards and 14 touchdowns.
KEEP READING: GM Chris Grier Hints at Limited Free Agency Action
Despite a lowly 32 receptions for 414 yards and zero touchdowns in 2023, Fant has the talent ready to explode any year. The Dolphins’ high-powered offense and impressive scheme could be what he needs to take the jump to meet his first-round pick status.
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