There’s no shortage of trade speculation in the NFL, and while Jalen Ramsey’s potential departure has dominated the conversation, a new name has emerged in the Miami Dolphins’ trade rumors: tight end Jonnu Smith. The player who earned Miami’s lone Pro Bowl spot last season might be on the move, but does it make sense for the team to part with him after his impressive 2024 campaign?
Does Smith fit in a rebuilding Phins team?
Smith joined the Dolphins for his first season in 2024 and immediately made an impact, setting a franchise record for both receptions (88) and receiving yards (884) by a tight end. Given the evolution of the NFL, where a dynamic pass-catching tight end is a game-changer, it has many scratching their heads that Miami would consider trading Smith, especially after a career year.
The issue comes down to money. Smith is slated to earn $4.8 million for the 2025 season, but reports indicate he’s looking for a raise after his record-setting season. His absence from Miami’s voluntary OTA practices this week has added fuel to the speculation that he might be angling for a new contract, something not out of the ordinary for a player who played as well as Smith did last year. Given his production, it’s understandable that he would seek a more lucrative deal.
From the Dolphins’ perspective, letting go of a player like Smith, who was not only highly productive but also irreplaceable at the tight end position, would be a tough pill to swallow. Miami doesn’t have another tight end who can replicate Smith’s level of contribution, which would undoubtedly leave a hole in the offense. Additionally, the Dolphins have struggled in recent years to retain high-level talent, which raises concerns that trading Smith could be another example of the team not locking in key players for the future.
But, given his age and the fact we are rebuilding-despite the intimations from the Phins-it likely makes a ton of sense long term.
Steelers are eyeing Smith… but they are looking to compete
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly shown interest in acquiring Smith. While they don’t have an urgent need at tight end, boasting players like Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, and Donald Parham Jr., Smith would undeniably be an upgrade for their offense. However, the issue for Miami is what they could realistically expect in return. A late-round draft pick, likely a fourth-rounder, is the most Miami could hope for, which doesn’t seem like much for a player who just set franchise records in his first year with the Dolphins. Losing Smith for a middle-round pick doesn’t appear to be a favorable trade-off, especially when considering how challenging it can be to find a player of his caliber. But maybe a pick and a player like Darnell Washington would make a ton of sense?
If the Dolphins are serious about keeping Smith, they may need to leverage the cap savings from a potential Jalen Ramsey trade to work out a new contract for their tight end. The upcoming moves could reveal how committed Miami is to retain its key contributors.
The latest trade rumor has sparked plenty of conversation among Dolphins fans. As the franchise faces another tough decision, you can bet with the best pay per head Miami supporters are left wondering if it’s worth moving on from a quality starter like Smith, or if keeping him is a move that could better position the Dolphins for success in 2025.
What do you think, Phins fans? Would trading Jonnu Smith be a wise move for Miami, or should they hold on to their standout tight end? The answers to these questions will become clearer as the offseason progresses.
Mj also like you said we don’t have anybody on the roster that can even remotely replace him right now as a past catching and playmaking receiving tight end! You had mentioned a player from the Steelers that could possibly come with a trade I don’t know much about him what do you know about him does he have the potential to be a past receiving tight end? Many championship caliber teams as you know have one common denominator and that also is strong tight end play for which we’ve had none over the past several years and that has been a major reason why this organization has failed to really advance! Your thoughts sorry for the third post Steven.
Crazy right! Yest. he was staying and now he might be going! We’ve been dying for TE play and now he’s on the move… maybe. But that’s the problem we shot our financial load BIG and now we are broke… typical Grier. No sweat on the post brother… none at all. Always like to ear from you… although sometimes I’m slow to reply. Getting better. This is a rebuild in my eval… and we are shooting for 2027… they are soft rolling it out for optics so the animus isn’t to much on Grier and McD… we are masters of media manipulation… and noobs at building a winning team.
Mj to let John who Smith walk would be ” high-handed lunacy by this organization. The best tight end we’ve had in a long time they need to pay him what he wants and get rid of Ramsey as soon as possible He’s a troublemaker a big mouth and he has not lived up to his potential as a dolphin! Steve
I’m fine with it if we get a good pick… this will be a reset/ down year… we won’t really compete until 2027… he’s old and we are broke next year too… thing is they are never straight with us… the fact they are even considering trading him means they know they aren’t ready… but the hustle of the fans must go on…. sad… same… every year.
I agree Edmond… in a way and disagree too… we aren’t going to compete until 2027.. this is a rebuild… the fact they are looking to trade him means they know this too… but they’ll never be honest with us…ever. It’s all a hustle to keep the hopium going. Will this build be right? Who knows, but we are broke this year and next… we might even need to move off Tua next year…. we are a ways from competing… hopefully we string a few good drafts together, but Grier still being here… the team still BSing us… I am worried. This is what they do EVER year… now though they are better at stringing us along and many in the media and content providers help out with the ever bloom hope… I think we’ll be fine of this draft plays out well and we grow this seaosn in our toughness and character and show growth from the coaches… even if we don’t have a great number of wins… but right now… it’s all in flux…except we are rebuilding… let’s hope this new rebuild is the right one…finally, brother.
Mj also like you said we don’t have anybody on the roster that can even remotely replace him right now as a past catching and playmaking receiving tight end! You had mentioned a player from the Steelers that could possibly come with a trade I don’t know much about him what do you know about him does he have the potential to be a past receiving tight end? Many championship caliber teams as you know have one common denominator and that also is strong tight end play for which we’ve had none over the past several years and that has been a major reason why this organization has failed to really advance! Your thoughts sorry for the third post Steven.
Crazy right! Yest. he was staying and now he might be going! We’ve been dying for TE play and now he’s on the move… maybe. But that’s the problem we shot our financial load BIG and now we are broke… typical Grier. No sweat on the post brother… none at all. Always like to ear from you… although sometimes I’m slow to reply. Getting better. This is a rebuild in my eval… and we are shooting for 2027… they are soft rolling it out for optics so the animus isn’t to much on Grier and McD… we are masters of media manipulation… and noobs at building a winning team.
Janu Smith. My mistake I spoke this message into my phone have a great day! Steve
You too, brother… no sweat… be well!
Mj to let John who Smith walk would be ” high-handed lunacy by this organization. The best tight end we’ve had in a long time they need to pay him what he wants and get rid of Ramsey as soon as possible He’s a troublemaker a big mouth and he has not lived up to his potential as a dolphin! Steve
I’m fine with it if we get a good pick… this will be a reset/ down year… we won’t really compete until 2027… he’s old and we are broke next year too… thing is they are never straight with us… the fact they are even considering trading him means they know they aren’t ready… but the hustle of the fans must go on…. sad… same… every year.
Jonnu is only 29 years old, he’s a great tight end, set records, we need him. I say keep him!
I agree Edmond… in a way and disagree too… we aren’t going to compete until 2027.. this is a rebuild… the fact they are looking to trade him means they know this too… but they’ll never be honest with us…ever. It’s all a hustle to keep the hopium going. Will this build be right? Who knows, but we are broke this year and next… we might even need to move off Tua next year…. we are a ways from competing… hopefully we string a few good drafts together, but Grier still being here… the team still BSing us… I am worried. This is what they do EVER year… now though they are better at stringing us along and many in the media and content providers help out with the ever bloom hope… I think we’ll be fine of this draft plays out well and we grow this seaosn in our toughness and character and show growth from the coaches… even if we don’t have a great number of wins… but right now… it’s all in flux…except we are rebuilding… let’s hope this new rebuild is the right one…finally, brother.