Dolphins exploring trade involving Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith

Chris Perkins and David Furones, South Florida Sun-Sentinel on May 29, 2025

Published in Football

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Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, who wasn’t seen at Wednesday’s second day of OTAs, is seeking a new contract, which has led the Dolphins to engage in trade talks with Pittsburgh, the Sun Sentinel has confirmed.

The story was first reported by ESPN.

The report says Smith, the team’s lone Pro Bowl selection from 2024, prefers to remain with the Dolphins with a new contract, meaning there’s no assurance a trade will be carried out.

Smith is due $4.8 million in 2025 in the second year of the two-year deal he signed last season, his first with the Dolphins.

Smith totaled a team-best 88 receptions for 884 yards, second on the team, and a team-leading eight receiving touchdowns.

The Dolphins’ offense is relatively loaded. It returns eight starters and has all 11 projected starters on the roster as well as a few key backups and role players.

Smith figures greatly into the offensive picture because he’s the No. 3 receiving target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa behind wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Smith’s 884 yards from scrimmage were No. 3 on the team behind running back De’Von Achane (1,499) and Hill (1,012).

Without Smith, the Dolphins’ tight end position looks fairly normal among in-line blocking specialists Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown and the unproven but athletic Tanner Conner.

Coach Mike McDaniel wasn’t asked about Smith’s absence from Wednesday’s OTA session because McDaniel spoke prior to the practice and Smith’s absence wasn’t known to the media.

Smith, who turns 30 in August, is an eight-year veteran. This is likely his last opportunity to get a good-paying, multi-year contract.

The Dolphins are already seeking a trade for Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The team mutually agreed with Ramsey in April to seek a trade.

Losing Smith and Ramsey would be big blows to a team that’s already lost starting veteran talent such as left tackle Terron Armstead (retirement), safety Jevon Holland (New York Giants/free agency), safety Jordan Poyer (free agency) and cornerback Jordan Fuller (released), and key reserves such as offensive tackle Kendall Lamm (Philadelphia/free agency) and defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand (Los Angeles Chargers).