Ramsey Out, Fitzpatrick In: Dolphins Shift Focus to Filling TE Void

After weeks of constant news coverage surrounding the drama of potential trade packages for Jalen Ramsey, it has finally been put to rest. On Monday morning, the Dolphins sent the former All-Pro cornerback to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In return, the team reunited with its 2018 first-round selection, Minkah Fitzpatrick, while also sending away tight end Jonnu Smith. This move signals a shift in direction for both franchises. The Dolphins are aiming to get younger, while the Steelers are going “all in” during what could be their only season with Aaron Rodgers.

The Dolphins move on from a disgruntled culture killer to a proven leader who’s three years younger. Trading Ramsey officially makes this defense entirely under the age of 30, especially now with Fitzpatrick back in the mix. The Dolphins are looking toward the future and are moving away from players who don’t want to buy into the team’s direction. Minkah is a ball player, a high-IQ defender with elite coverage ability. He returns to Miami as the first true “superstar” free safety the team has had since his departure.

The 29-year-old had a bit of a down year with Pittsburgh in 2024. However, it was his first fully healthy season since 2020, and he still racked up 93 combined tackles and one interception. He did allow a 132.1 passer rating in coverage, but his leadership, athleticism, and familiarity with the Dolphins make him an instant impact addition. For a team trying to retool without hitting the reset button, this move makes sense on several levels.

So what’s next for the Miami Dolphins? First off, their cornerback room is now extremely thin. As mentioned in previous Ramsey coverage, Miami has been linked to Asante Samuel Jr. and Rasul Douglas, two proven veterans who can immediately contribute. If the season started today, Kader Kohou would be the CB1, with Storm Duck following as CB2, which is not exactly ideal for a team looking to compete.

Beyond the cornerback room, the tight end position looms as the biggest concern. Jonnu Smith was a top-10 tight end in 2024, finishing with 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, all career highs. The Dolphins are making it clear that they don’t want to be locked into paying top-dollar for a tight end entering their 30s. That kind of financial mistake has plagued them in recent years. Shedding salary while adding youth was part of the motivation behind this deal.

Smith played 54.8% of the Dolphins’ offensive snaps last season and accounted for nearly a quarter of the team’s receiving yards. Miami’s tight ends combined for 1,053 receiving yards, and Smith was responsible for 84% of that production. He was a major part of the team’s offensive identity in 2024. Moving on from him leaves a massive hole at a position that’s crucial in Mike McDaniel’s system. The Dolphins are now in the market for someone who can fill that role without breaking the bank.

There are two paths Miami can take: trade a mid-round draft pick for a young, high-upside tight end or sign a veteran on a short-term deal. Either way, the Dolphins need a solution fast. In this piece, we look at three potential options that could help the team both financially and schematically. Each could bring something different to the table and fit Miami’s new long-term vision. Whether it’s youth, upside, or affordability, these names make sense.

Michael Mayer – Las Vegas Raiders

Michael Mayer was one of the top tight end prospects just two seasons ago. Now, he finds himself buried behind superstar rookie Brock Bowers in Las Vegas. The Raiders have reportedly floated Mayer’s name in trade talks, including early conversations with the Broncos and now the Dolphins. According to Omar Kelly, Miami has had its eye on Mayer for a while. This is a move that could pay off both on the field and financially. Mayer is on a team-friendly rookie deal, slated to make less than two million dollars in 2025 and just over that mark in 2026. In 2024, the 23-year-old totaled 21 receptions for 156 yards and no touchdowns. While the production was underwhelming, the talent is still there, and he’s shown flashes as both a blocker and receiver. Acquiring him would give Miami a young, controllable asset who fits their timeline and scheme. He’s the safest long-term player on this list.

Kyle Pitts – Atlanta Falcons

This one is a long shot, but it’s worth discussing. Kyle Pitts was the fourth overall pick in 2021 and remains one of the most talented tight ends in football. Pitts has been consistently misused in Atlanta, which has limited his ceiling. In 2024, he caught 47 passes for 602 yards and four touchdowns despite the instability at quarterback. If the Dolphins want to swing big, Pitts could be the move. Trading for Pitts would show Miami is in win-now mode. He’d likely cost a second or third-round pick and would eventually require a significant contract extension. Still, his upside is as high as any tight end in the league. He has elite route-running ability, mismatch potential, and the athleticism to stretch the field. For the right price, he could transform this offense.

Gerald Everett – Free Agent

If Miami wants to go the cheap, short-term route, Gerald Everett makes a lot of sense. The 31-year-old remains unsigned heading into July and could likely sign on a one-year deal worth anywhere between three and five million dollars. He spent last season as a backup in Chicago behind Cole Kmet, finishing with just eight catches for 36 yards. But his recent track record is more impressive than those numbers suggest. Everett was a key target for Justin Herbert during his time with the Chargers. Over the two seasons prior to 2024, he posted 109 receptions for 966 yards and seven touchdowns. The 2017 sound round selection brings experience, toughness, and the ability to contribute right away. Signing him would also give Miami more cap flexibility to address the cornerback position. If the team wants a veteran presence who won’t cost much, Everett is the move.