Jonnu Smith is expected to be released by the Steelers
The Miami Dolphins are in need of talented playmakers to balance out their offense. Currently, they feature two of the most explosive players in the NFL with De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle. Achane made his first Pro Bowl appearance in the 2025 season as he led the NFL with 5.7 yards per attempt. Meanwhile, Waddle has not been as explosive as in years past, but he did lead the NFL with 18.1 yards per reception in 2022.
Two seasons ago, the Dolphins featured All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill, Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, and the two previously mentioned playmakers. While Hill seems to be heading elsewhere this offseason, the former Dolphins player Jonnu Smith may also find himself on the move.
Former Miami Dolphins Tight End Expected to Be Released
When discussing the Pittsburgh Steelers offseason, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette alluded to the former Dolphins Pro Bowl tight end being released. He was asked who he thought the Steelers would release, and he responded, “Well, I think they will start with a TE who was brought in this season.”
While not specifically mentioning Smith by name, he was traded over to Pittsburgh in the offseason in a trade that also sent Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick. Smith had requested a trade in the offseason as he was seeking a pay raise after his Pro Bowl season in 2024. The Steelers gave him a new deal when they acquired him. However, he failed to live up to that deal as he finished with his lowest receiving yards since his rookie season.
With the Dolphins, Smith set career-highs in receptions and receiving yards. With the Dolphins having a stagnant run game in 2024, Miami’s quick passing game toward Smith helped replace some of the lack of run game production.
Miami Dolphins Tight Ends
It is possible that the Dolphins would try to rekindle the success with Smith once he becomes a free agent. However, former head coach Mike McDaniel was a key ingredient in designing the plays that allowed Smith to have the best season of his career. Perhaps a reunion with McDaniel in Los Angeles is more likely than Smith returning to the Dolphins.
The Dolphins do have a need at the tight end position. Their top two tight ends in receiving yards in the 2025 season were Greg Dulcich and Darren Waller. Both are set to be free agents, and Waller is considering retirement. Bleacher Report mentioned the Dolphins as a potential fit with All-Pro tight end Kyle Pitts. While Pitts would be a splash free-agent signing, Jonnu Smith would likely command less money after his disappointing year and the fact he is older.
Miami can create cap space with several key transactions, but as of this moment they’re the team with the fourth-least cap space available. With plenty of needs on the roster, going after a big free-agent signing like Pitts seems a bit far-fetched. While Smith’s tenure in Miami did not end well after the trade request, the new front office may be interested in bringing back the Pro Bowl player.
Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer
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