Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Michael Mayer

Thursday, May 29, 3:13 PM

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers have discussed a trade involving Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. These trade talks came after Smith hinted at wanting a new deal following his career season. The 29-year-old is due $4.8 million this season after catching 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with Miami. Smith is outside the top 20 highest-paid players at the position, so asking for a raise is warranted. Smith spent the 2023 season with current Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Atlanta after spending four seasons with him in Tennessee from 2017 to 2020. That said, he would have instant familiarity with his system if he's dealt to Pittsburgh. If this trade materializes, the fantasy stocks of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle would rise, while Pat Freiermuth could be at risk of falling off the fantasy radar.

Saturday, March 1, 12:17 PM

According to league sources, the Las Vegas Raiders have had discussions with teams who have interest in tight end Michael Mayer. The team's second-round selection in 2023, Mayer hasn't had the type of impact the Raiders were hoping for, which is why they took Brock Bowers in the first round in 2024. Not only did Bowers become a first-team All-Pro in his rookie season, but Mayer had only 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games in his first year in 2023. He missed six games last season due to personal reasons and was barely heard from as Bowers excelled. It makes more sense for Vegas to trade Mayer for assets, and since he'll be on a team-friendly deal for two more years, there should be several teams that are interested. Mayer was completely off the fantasy radar in 2024, but he could resurface as a sleeper if he's traded to a team that utilizes him much more as a pass-catcher.