Jonnu Smith Trade Reportedly Discussed by Steelers, Dolphins as TE Seeks New Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly had trade talks recently focused on Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Smith is seeking a reworked contract after being named a Pro Bowler for the first time last season, which is what prompted the Dolphins to open trade talks.

Schefter added that Smith's preference is to stay in Miami under an altered deal.

Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported Pittsburgh has had "preliminary conversations with multiple teams about potentially adding another playmaker" to the offense.

The Steelers' interest in Smith perhaps shouldn't come as a shock since offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was Smith's tight ends coach and then OC with the Tennessee Titans from 2017 to 2020 and his head coach with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023.

ESPN's Field Yates alluded to the connection, adding that Arthur Smith "loves" Jonnu Smith.

Smith, who will turn 30 in August, signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract with the Dolphins last offseason.

With wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle dealing with injuries and performing below expectations, Smith stepped up to become one of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's favorite targets last season.

Smith led the Dolphins with 88 receptions and eight touchdown catches, and he was second to Hill with 884 receiving yards. All of those numbers represented career highs for Smith as well.

After getting selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Florida International, Smith showed flashes of brilliance with the Titans, including scoring nine total touchdowns in 2019.

He parlayed that into a four-year, $50 million deal with the New England Patriots in free agency, but after he managed fewer than 600 total receiving yards and one touchdown over two seasons, they traded him to the Falcons.

Arthur Smith helped Jonnu revive his career, as he recorded 50 grabs for 582 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.

The Steelers don't have a significant need at tight end with 2021 second-round pick Pat Freiermuth coming off arguably his best NFL season, as he finished with 65 receptions for 653 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024.

However, the Steelers do need another playmaker in the passing game after trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.

The Steelers have a true WR1 in DK Metcalf and a quality tight end in Freiermuth, but there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding their other weapons.

Smith would bring some needed explosiveness to the Pittsburgh offense, but it is fair to wonder if the Dolphins truly have interest in trading him given how big of an impact he made last season.