The Miami Dolphins have recently had trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers about tight end Jonnu Smith, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
It’s a surprising development for the Dolphins as Smith was the team’s sole Pro Bowler during a record-breaking 2024 season. In his first year with Miami after joining as a free agent, Smith broke the Dolphins’ franchise records for receptions (88), receiving yards (884), and receiving touchdowns (8) by a tight end.
According to Schefter, the trade talks were prompted by Smith’s desire for a new contract with the Dolphins after his breakout season. The two-year, $8.4 million deal the tight end signed in 2024 is due to pay him $3.5 million in base salary next season. That’s well below market value, considering there are 14 tight ends in the NFL with contracts averaging $10 million or more per season.
But paying Smith more is a tricky proposition for the Dolphins with the team near the bottom of the NFL in cap space and in need of veteran cornerback help.
While player-for-player trades are rare in the NFL, Pittsburgh has some depth at the cornerback position after signing Darius Slay earlier this year. Cory Trice and James Pierre are young corners who could intrigue the Dolphins.
Earlier in the 2025 offseason, the Dolphins added blocking specialist Pharaoh Brown to the tight end room. Behind Smith and Brown are several young tight ends, including Julian Hill, Tanner Conner, and Jalin Conyers.