Miami Dolphins in Talks with Pittsburgh Steelers Regarding Jonnu Smith
The Miami Dolphins are in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a possible trade involving tight end Jonnu Smith. Smith expressed interest in renegotiating his two-year contract with the Dolphins, which would pay him $4.8 million in 2025.
Smith’s absence from the Dolphins’ voluntary practices this week has drawn attention to the situation.
The Steelers’ interest in Smith is tied to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s relationship with the tight end. Arthur Smith was tight ends coach and offensive coordinator for Jonnu Smith in Tennessee, and later signed him when he was head coach of the Falcons.
Smith had an outstanding season with the Dolphins, setting a franchise record for receptions (88) and receiving yards (884) by a tight end, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection. He led all Dolphins players in receptions and ranked among the league’s best in receiving yards by a tight end.
A Smith trade could mean the Dolphins begin the 2025 season without several key veteran leaders, including defensive lineman Calais Campbell, offensive lineman Terron Armstead, and defensive back Jalen Ramsey, whom Miami is also looking to trade.
The Dolphins could be in trouble without Smith, who played 54.8% of the offensive plays in 2024. Julian Hill is the primary blocker and returns in 2025, while the Dolphins replaced Durham Smythe with free agent Pharaoh Brown, known for his blocking ability.
Tanner Conner and undrafted free agent Jaylin Conyers round out Miami’s tight end group. Jonnu Smith has found success in Arthur Smith’s offenses, including an eight-touchdown season in 2020.The Steelers do not have a pressing need at the tight end position. Pittsburgh extended Pat Freiermuth’s contract, and they also have Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward. In addition, they signed Donald Parham Jr.
The Steelers had four tight ends on their 53-player roster last season.
MyCole Pruitt, who had a long history with Arthur Smith, was the only absence.
