Thomas could turn into best TE threat ever for Dolphins

He had back-to-back 12-TD receiving seasons in Denver.

The Dolphins have had some good tight ends over the years, but to say they have a rich tradition at the position would be stretching things to the max.

Now they’re adding Julius Thomas, who had back-toback 12-touchdown receiving seasons in Denver starting in 2013, which dwarfs anything in Miami’s history. The Dolphins also are bringing back Anthony Fasano, who had seven receiving TDs for them way back in 2008.

For Thomas especially, here’s a list of the Dolphins’ best receiving tight ends he can chase: 1. Keith Jackson (1992-94) Set team record for touchdown receptions by a tight end with seven in 1994. One of only three Dolphins TEs to make the Pro Bowl. Averaged 626 receiving yards and six TDs over three seasons starting in ’92. 2. Keith Byars (1993-96) Yes, he played running back and fullback, but he also lined up often enough at tight end and made the Pro Bowl in 1993, when he had 613 receiving yards and was a go-to target for Dan Marino.

3. Ferrell Edmunds (198892)92

Third-round pick made Pro Bowl in 1989 and ’90. Showed great promise from the start with 575 yards as a rookie, but that turned out to be a career high.

4 . R a n dy McMi c h a e l (2002-06)

Led Dolphins in receiving in 2004 with 73 catches for 791 yards and four TDs. Had four other seasons with more than 475 yards. 5. Charles Clay (2011-14) Had 759 yards and six TDs in 2013, making the list of the NFL’s top 100 players, and later parlayed that into a $38 million free-agent deal with Buffffalo. 6. Bruce Hardy (1978-89) Had nine TDs over two seasons starting in 1985. Chosen to Dolphins’ silver anniversary team. 7. Jim Mandich (1970-77) Six TDs in 1974 (still the run- fifirst era) and a member of the Dolphins’ 50th anniversary team.

8 . A n t h o n y F a s a n o (2008-12)

Surpassed 450 yards in t hree of four s e a s ons for Mi a mi s t a r t i n g i n 2 0 0 8 . Tied Jackson’s record with seven TDs in 2008. Fasano, 32, agreed to rejoin the Dolphins, and what he’s looking for at this stage of his career is telling.

“I’m searching for a playoffff run and an opportunity to win the Super Bowl,” Fasano said Thursday. “That’s where I’m at in my career. I’m going into my 12th year, and I’m not really concerned about stats or this, that and the other thing. I just want to make a playoffff run and get a chance to win a Super Bowl ring.” 9. Troy Drayton (1996-99) Had 558 yards and four TDs in 1997. 10. Joe Rose (1980-85) Nine TDs over three seasons starting in 1983.

Staffff writer Joe Schad contributed to this story.