Rosenhaus Says Jonnu Smith Doesn't Want Trade amid Dolphins Contract, Steelers Rumors

Despite rumors that the Miami Dolphins were having discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers about trading tight end Jonnu Smith, it appears that his preference is to stay put.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Smith's agent Drew Rosenhaus said during a local news appearance that his client doesn't want to be traded from the Dolphins as he continues to push for a new contract.

"Here’s what I will say on behalf of my client: Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami," Rosenhaus said on WSVN-7 in Miami. "That’s his first choice. This is where he lives in the offseason."

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last week that the Dolphins and Steelers engaged in trade discussions regarding Smith after he expressed interest to the Dolphins in reworking the two-year contract he signed last offseason. He's set to make just $4.8 million in 2025, but he proved himself to be much more valuable than that.

In his first season in Miami in 2024, Smith recorded 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to earning his first career Pro Bowl selection. Rosenhaus added that Smith's impressive season should be enough to be rewarded with a long-term commitment from the Dolphins.

"He had a record-breaking season last year. It was the best season ever for a Miami Dolphin tight end… He broke the team record for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns for a tight end and was the team’s single Pro Bowl player," Rosenhaus said. "He’s an incredibly valuable part of this team… He went to college at FIU. His dream team is the Dolphins. Hopefully, everything works out where he can stay in Miami."

If the Dolphins choose to trade Smith, it would leave their tight end room thin with unproven players like Pharoah Brown, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner and undrafted rookie Jalin Conyers. Miami's best course could be to pay Smith what he deserves and keep him as an integral part of the passing attack led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.