The Miami Dolphins could be aiming to target tight end Isaiah Likely, who was not franchise tagged at the deadline.
The Miami Dolphins are not expected to make many moves during free agency, simply due to having less than a million in available cap space. Granted, some more moves by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan can increase that number, which will pave the way for at least one bigger signing.
That signing comes in the form of tight end Isaiah Likely, who was not franchise tagged by the Baltimore Ravens, and will now test free agency.
Likely has been a somewhat productive tight end, but his 2025 season was interrupted by a broken bone in his foot that required surgery. He missed the first three games of the season.
The Ravens tight end put up 307 yards and one touchdown in 14 games.
Despite the less-than-stellar productive season, Likely is expected to garner interest from multiple teams. One of those teams could be the Dolphins.
Currently, the Dolphins have Jaylin Conyers and Cole Turner on the roster, with Greg Dulcich, Darren Waller, and Julian Hill potentially leaving in free agency.
Waller indicated he may play again, but it is unlikely to be in Miami. Dulcich may be the target here for the Dolphins, but he could also fetch a bigger contract after showing flashes of brilliance in 2025.
The tight end room, much like the rest of the roster, is thin at best. The Dolphins need upgrades everywhere, but landing a talent like Likely could be the "bigger" signing that helps the team in the long run.
Likely is only 25 years old and has plenty of football left. Despite a down year, he is a strong pass catcher who can elevate any roster.
The issue for the Dolphins is that he is predicted to land a two-year deal that is worth up to nearly $18 million. That could price the team out of landing Likely, but they might have enough cap space to potentially land him.
Miami has yet to formally release Bradley Chubb, and that could be coming before the league year begins. If they release him soon, the cap savings will be a bit over $7 million.
More releases and trades are expected to happen, and the Dolphins could put themselves in a position to land a player such as Likely.
The tight end won't break the bank, and he would instantly become TE1, which is an opportunity he expressed that he wants.
Sullivan has a lot of work to do between now and March 9, and the Dolphins could surprise many by potentially landing some players that are not on their bargain list.