Jonnu Smith became the subject of trade talk last week when a report of Steelers interest emerged. While a swap remains something to watch for, the veteran tight end’s preference would be to remain in Miami. 
During his usual Sunday WSVN appearance, Smith’s agent Drew Rosenhaus spoke about Smith’s situation. 2024 resulted in a career high across the board for Smith (884 yards, eight touchdowns on 88 receptions). In the wake of that production – the most in a season by any Dolphins tight end – an extension is being sought. One year remains on the Pro Bowler’s current deal.
“Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami,” Rosenhaus said (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). “That’s his first choice. This is where he lives in the offseason… His dream team is the Dolphins. Hopefully, everything works out where he can stay in Miami.”
Smith is currently owed $4.09MM in 2025, but an extension agreement would no doubt include a raise if one were to be worked out. Depending on how negotiations on that front go, however, the possibility of a trade could increase based on interest from outside teams. It came as no surprise when Pittsburgh emerged as a potential landing spot based on the presence of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The two worked together in Tennessee and again in Atlanta, so a Steelers acquisition would mark another reunion between player and coach.
Pittsburgh’s tight end depth chart is already topped by Pat Freiermuth, though, and he is on the books for another four years. Adding Smith via trade (and then, presumably, extending him) could be problematic as a result. It will be interesting to see if other suitors show interest in Smith, 29, as a starting-caliber addition late in the offseason.
In the meantime, Miami has a number of other low-cost tight end options. Pharaoh Brown is a veteran of 87 games, but he has never operated as a focal point in a team’s passing game like Smith did in 2024. The rest of the Dolphins’ TE depth chart consists of Julian Hill, Hayden Rucci and Jalin Conyers; each member of that trio entered the league as an undrafted free agent, meaning expectations will be low for whichever ones wind up earning a roster spot this summer. An opening would be created in the event Smith were to be traded, but his preference would be to avoid such a move.