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.