Miami Dolphins eye a second Raiders TE, Michael Mayer, after landing Darren Waller in July 2025. Will they build a super-offense or is it just a rumor?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the Dolphins' tight end room was settled with the blockbuster acquisition of Darren Waller, the rumor mill churned out a surprise. As of Thursday, reports indicate Miami isn't done talking with the Las Vegas Raiders, showing interest in their *other* talented tight end, Michael Mayer, in a move that could reshape the team's offensive identity.
The health and performance of Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb remain the biggest question marks for the Dolphins' 2025 defense.
The ink is barely dry on the trade that brought former Pro Bowler Darren Waller to Miami on Tuesday, yet the Dolphins are reportedly kicking the tires on another deal with the Raiders. Reports that surfaced on July 2nd suggest Miami has inquired about Michael Mayer, the promising young tight end from the 2023 draft class. While no deal was finalized as of July 3rd, the logic is tantalizing. Is this a move to create a dominant two-tight end set reminiscent of the Patriots' glory days, or simply due diligence? The Raiders are said to be targeting several Dolphins players in a potential counter-offer, making this a complex situation to watch.
While the offense generates trade buzz, the fate of the defense hinges on the recovery of its two premier pass rushers. A recent analysis highlighted the critical uncertainty surrounding the returns of Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, both rehabilitating from significant ACL injuries. Their ability to return to elite form is paramount, especially with the offseason departures of Emmanuel Ogbah and Tyus Bowser. If Phillips and Chubb can recapture their explosive potential, the Dolphins' defensive line could be a formidable force; if not, it remains the team's biggest vulnerability heading into the season.
With no games on the schedule, the focus shifts to key upcoming dates on the NFL calendar. The league-wide deadline for any franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals is July 15, a date that often spurs action across the league. More importantly for Miami, rookie training camps are set to open in mid-July, with the veterans scheduled to report shortly after. This marks the unofficial start of the season, where questions about trades and injuries will finally begin to find answers on the field.
While the practice fields are quiet for the holiday, the front office is clearly buzzing. Between the intriguing trade chatter and the looming questions on defense, the narrative for the 2025 season is already taking shape. The next few weeks, with the franchise tag deadline and the opening of training camp, will be crucial in determining if the Dolphins are truly ready to contend.
