Miami NFL team, the Dolphins, contemplate swapping Pro Bowl star, Jonnu Smith.
The Miami Dolphins have been shrouded in trade rumors, with star tight end Jonnu Smith at the epicenter. In 2024, Smith delivered an exceptional season, amassing a career-high 88 receptions, 884 receiving yards, and scoring eight touchdowns, earning him a spot on the Pro Bowl. But it appears that Smith has his eyes on a fatter wallet. According to sources, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has approached the team about adjusting his contract to receive more than the $4.09 million slated for the upcoming season.
With Smith entering the final year of a two-year, $8.4 million deal, it seems that the Dolphins are hesitant to meet his monetary demands. This reluctance has reportedly sparked discussions about potentially trading the Pro Bowl tight end to other teams, notably the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers have shown interest, primarily due to their offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, who previously coached Smith during his stint with the Tennessee Titans[4]. However, the Steelers are occupied with more pressing issues, like contract negotiations with Aaron Rodgers and T.J. Watt[4].
The discussions have raised eyebrows, considering Smith's outstanding performance in the previous season. But it seems that the Dolphins are playing hardball, as the pursuit of a raise hasn't swayed their decision-making[3].
The trade discussions have set fans on edge, as the Dolphins are in the middle of significant changes. The team is already mourning the departure of starting cornerback Jalen Ramsey due to his strained relationship with head coach Mike McDaniel[5], and have also lost key players such as Terron Armstead, Jevon Holland, and Robert Jones, among others, this offseason[5]. Losing Smith would leave the Dolphins without their top two tight ends from the previous season, as Durham Smythe signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent[6].
The only feasible explanation for trading Smith is if the Dolphins have a potential upgrade in mind for the tight end position[5]. One intriguing possibility is a trade for Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, who is also in the final year of his contract[6]. Andrews had a rocky playoff performance at the end of the 2024 season, and his future with the Ravens is uncertain beyond this year[6].
However, the Ravens have yet to indicate that they're open to trading Andrews or have closed the door on the possibility completely[6]. The move would make sense for Miami, as they rely heavily on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa having a plethora of weapons, and removing one without an immediate upgrade could prove curious[6].
As the offseason progresses, fans will eagerly await updates regarding Smith's future with the Dolphins and the potential acquisition of Mark Andrews in a corresponding move[6]. Fans can only hope that the team's decision doesn't plunge them into chaos.
- Amidst the potential trade discussions, the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Arthur Smith, are exploring a possible swap deal involving star tight end Jonnu Smith and Mark Andrews, both in the final year of their contracts.
- In the realm of sports analysis, should the Dolphins choose to trade Smith, acquiring Andrews could potentially bolster their tight end position, while potentially removing one top player without an immediate upgrade may raise questions about the team's strategy.
- As the offseason unfolds, not only are fans eager to learn about Jonnu Smith's contract negotiations and potential trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they are also watching closely for any developments regarding the Ravens' willingness to trade Mark Andrews, a high-caliber tight end who may be on the move.
