The Miami Dolphins are actively looking to clear cap space—especially with next year’s tight financial outlook looming. A deal involving Jalen Ramsey seems imminent, but other players could also be on the move.
One name that surfaced in trade discussions is Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith. The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly reached out to Miami to gauge interest in trading him. While those talks were initially just rumors, Smith’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, appeared to shut them down with his comments on Monday.
“Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami. That’s his first choice,” Rosenhaus said, via Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson. “This is where he lives in the offseason. He had a record-breaking season last year… His dream team is the Dolphins.”
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel echoed that sentiment, making it clear he wants Smith on the roster when the season begins.
“I haven’t considered anything other than I want Jonnu on the team,” McDaniel told reporters. “I think he wants to be here.”
However, things shifted again after Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. tore his Achilles tendon on Tuesday, which reportedly reignited trade talks between the two teams.
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“Back in it: the Steelers renewed conversations today with Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith, who is seeking a new contract. The trade between the Steelers and Dolphins is still alive, per source,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote.
With discussions back on the table, Steelers tight end Connor Heyward weighed in, suggesting the move wouldn’t make much sense given the team’s current depth at the position.
“We all see it, but let’s be honest. It would be complicated having him and Pat. They’re kind of the same type of tight end,” Heyward said. “They both got to have 100 balls a year thrown their way. You’ve seen that. We all have produced — me, Darnell, and Pat. If that was to happen, we’d welcome it, but at the same time, we know Pat’s our guy right now.”
Pat Freiermuth has long been the top tight end in Pittsburgh, and adding another high-volume TE like Smith could create conflict over targets. That, more than anything, might be what ultimately prevents a trade from going through.
