For the Miami Dolphins, they are at a point in their retooling process where considerations must be made about how to make the offense more explosive. With the release of Tyreek Hill and the expected departure of Tua Tagovailoa, both new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley have to find players who can create in their new look offense. Luckily for them, a Ravens tight end could come to their rescue.
While the Dolphins still have a player of Jaylen Waddle’s caliber on the roster, he does need a new running mate. While the tight end position doesn’t seem like the sexiest spot, the Dolphins have gotten production from it in the past. According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, the Ravens’ Isaiah Likely could continue the trend of the Dolphins’ success at the position.
Likely did end up having a down year last season, only scoring one touchdown. However, compared to the Dolphins’ other options, his overall production in the league overshadows his one down year. Also, that year could help the Dolphins get him on the cheap and not go over the cap on a player they may not entirely trust.
A Low-Risk Move With Upside
A short term contract could get Likely back on his feet, and solve a conundrum at the position for the Dolphins. With all of the Dolphins’ options at tight end set to become free agents, including the leader of the pack in Greg Dulcich, Likely could immediately step into a starting role, or even become a perfect red zone compliment to Dulcich.
Schatz writes, “Last season was a bit of an off year for Likely, who had only one touchdown and dropped to 19th among tight ends in the ESPN receiver scores. But he ranked sixth in 2023 and third in 2024, with 400 yards in each of those seasons. He should be able to shine in a Miami offense that doesn’t need to feed a lot of other receivers after it released Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine”.
For the Dolphins, that may be all they need considering how their offense could be set up. Even though new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik likes more explosive playmakers, Likely can solve a lot of red zone issues the Dolphins have no matter who is at the QB position for them.
Miami’s History of Tight End Production
The bottom line is that even when the Dolphins did have explosive receivers such as Hill, they still utilized tight ends pretty well. Last year, the Dolphins offense was much more productive when Darren Waller was on the field. Tow years ago, Jonnu Smith rejuvenated his career with a stellar year. This year will be all about building momentum for the new look franchise, and Likely is a momentum swinger.
For the offense to have any modicum of success should it remain similar to last year’s, they will at least need one player who can move the needle. Isaiah Likely, while not necessarily at his peak, can become that kind of player in Miami.
Dolphins Could be In Hunt for Electric Ravens TE