The Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins have been engaged in ongoing trade discussions centered around tight end Jonnu Smith, a Pro Bowl-caliber player with growing relevance in the 2025 NFL offseason. This potential transaction is multifaceted, touching on on-field strategic fits, contract negotiations, and the Steelers’ broader roster and quarterback aspirations.
Jonnu Smith’s Profile and Current Situation
Jonnu Smith, a standout tight end currently with the Miami Dolphins, earned his first Pro Bowl selection in the 2024 season, marking a career-best performance. He recorded 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, signaling his emergence as a reliable offensive weapon. However, Smith is seeking a new contract or restructured deal beyond his scheduled $4.8 million salary for the 2025 season. Miami’s willingness to trade him stems from this contractual impasse, making Smith a tradable asset.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Motivations for Pursuing Smith
The Steelers’ interest is notably influenced by their offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, who shares a deep history with Jonnu Smith. Arthur Smith coached Jonnu in Tennessee (2017-2020) and Atlanta (2023), fostering a player-coach relationship that promises on-field chemistry. The potential reunification is tactically appealing: Jonnu Smith’s skill set complements the Steelers’ offensive schemes and could bolster their tight end depth, which, while solid, could benefit from an established playmaker.
Beyond personnel enhancement, the Steelers appear to be positioning for a significant quarterback signing, especially with ongoing Aaron Rodgers speculation. Adding a proven tight end like Jonnu Smith would present attractive targets for Rodgers—or any quarterback—offering a combination of size, agility, and reliable hands to elevate the passing game. This offensive weaponry upgrade underscores the team’s urgency to improve scoring options.
Trade Details and Draft Capital Considerations
While exact terms have not been disclosed, the Steelers’ recent deals have included draft capital adjustments—such as adding a third-round pick in the George Pickens trade. The team currently holds eight selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, with potential compensatory picks increasing that number. Asset management remains critical; the Steelers must weigh what draft capital they are willing to part with against Smith’s immediate impact value.
The Dolphins’ Perspective
From Miami’s viewpoint, trading Smith could free salary cap space and open opportunities to reallocate resources toward other positional needs or future contracts. If Smith seeks a contract Miami is unwilling or unable to meet, a trade becomes practical to recoup draft picks or players in return.
Potential Challenges and Public Sentiment
Despite the reported trade talks, there are complexities. Some sources indicate that Jonnu Smith himself might not be highly eager to relocate to Pittsburgh, which could introduce negotiation hurdles. Additionally, Steelers’ legend Terry Bradshaw openly criticized the team’s moves surrounding quarterback acquisition and broader roster decisions, reflecting divided public sentiment.
Moreover, other Steelers insiders and beat writers have occasionally downplayed the immediacy or seriousness of the trade interest, suggesting that while talks have occurred, a final deal is far from guaranteed.
Strategic Impact on Steelers’ Offense
Should the trade materialize, Jonnu Smith would join a receiving corps already featuring younger talents like Pat Freiermuth and DK Metcalf. His presence would diversify offensive options, creating mismatches and increasing route versatility. For a team integrating either Rodgers or another new quarterback, this additional weapon could prove pivotal in raising overall offensive efficiency.
Conclusion: Balancing Ambitions and Realities
The Steelers’ exploration of a trade for Jonnu Smith exemplifies their proactive approach to roster construction amid a pivotal offseason. The combined factors of Smith’s proven production, his connection with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and the potential to bolster a quarterback-contending offense make this a strategically sound pursuit.
Yet, the nuances of player preferences, contract negotiations, and draft capital valuation mean that these talks could evolve in any direction. For the Dolphins, moving Smith aligns with managing salary demands, while for Pittsburgh, it reflects a balance between aggressive upgrading and prudent asset management.
Ultimately, the Jonnu Smith trade saga encapsulates the dynamic and interconnected nature of NFL roster building, where player performance, relationships, contracts, and future planning intertwine to shape team trajectories as they chase success.
