The offense of the Miami Dolphins has been a much different animal this year. The unit that led the league in big plays and owned the league’s top offensive attack has taken a much more methodical approach this season. Some have been out of necessity with starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing five and a half games so far, that began with an early season concussion. But amidst the offensive changes, a star at a crucial position has emerged.
Historic Season Cements Jonnu Smith Signing as One of Dolphins’ Best
Rewriting Tight End Records in Miami
When Jonnu Smith signed a two-year deal with Miami in March, it was an under-the-radar signing that offered a good amount of upside. That apparently was just scratching the surface of how good the signing would become. Smith has always been known as a great run-after-the-catch tight end; He was third in that category for his position in 2023, behind only George Kittle and David Njoku. He’s taken his game to new heights this season, however.
During last week’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Smith set franchise records for a tight end, in both receptions and yards, surpassing former Dolphin Randy McMichael’s record of 73 grabs and 791 yards. Against the Browns, Smith tied the single-season touchdown reception record of seven, held by both Keith Jackson and Anthony Fasano, with one more week to play.
Jonnu Smith puts the exclamation point on the game and makes a little @MiamiDolphins TE history pic.twitter.com/jJFpqJCb1A
— NFL on CBS
(@NFLonCBS) December 30, 2024
Career Season
Over his career, the former FIU Panther has caught 219 passes for 2,423 yards and 20 touchdowns. This season alone he’s caught 79 passes, for 828 yards and seven touchdowns. A big portion of his entire career statistics, in one season. Smith’s been a heavy part of Miami’s offense all year, he’s tied for first place on the team in catches, second in yards, and first in touchdowns.
Jonnu Smith receptions in 2022 and 2023 combined: 77
Jonnu Smith in 2024: 77#GoFins pic.twitter.com/mL977yZkQL
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 29, 2024
His play is amongst the best in the league at his position as well. With one game to play in the regular season, he currently ranks fourth in the league in yards, receptions, and yards per game with 51.8, and is tied for third in touchdown grabs. As a result, he’s been a boon for fantasy managers everywhere for weeks.
Jonnu Smith since Week 11:
28.1 pts
23.7 pts
21.3 pts
13.4 pts
19.8 pts
12.2 pts
11.6 ptsShout him out if you had him on your team this year! pic.twitter.com/8IBJF3XALB
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) December 30, 2024
The Dolphins have one more week to play and are still alive in the playoff race. They finish their season at the New York Jets, an opponent who Smith recently caught the game-winning touchdown against in overtime at the beginning of December.
Every catch sees the playmaker rise higher in Miami’s single-season tight end rankings. One more touchdown catch and he’ll own every single-season significant record for a tight end in Dolphins history. It’s safe to say that as the season winds down, the Smith signing was one of the best free-agent moves in recent memory for Miami.
If Smith stays in South Florida long-term and continues his pace, it may go down as one of the best signings in Dolphins history, period.
Main Image: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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