In the heart of the offseason, the Miami Dolphins are at a crossroads involving their standout tight end, Jonnu Smith. Recently, the gridiron grapevine buzzed when Smith’s name surfaced in conversations about a potential trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s quite the development considering Smith’s remarkable performance last year, which earned him a first trip to the Pro Bowl and saw him shatter nearly every single-season record for Dolphins’ tight ends.
So, why the trade rumors? Well, it’s all about the contract.
Smith, who joined the Dolphins during the 2024 free agency, is currently under a deal that essentially holds him until 2025, with some flexibility for the team to part ways. He’s set to earn a little over $4 million this year—a figure that doesn’t quite match his monumental contributions on the field.
Seeking more financial security, Smith’s absence from voluntary practices hints at his eagerness for a revised contract.
Enter Drew Rosenhaus, a name synonymous with NFL negotiations and a long-standing figure in Dolphins’ franchise dealings. Rosenhaus, who helped broker Smith’s initial contract, is back at the negotiating table, aiming to secure a deal fitting Smith’s accolades. And while it may seem like a classic agent maneuver to angle for more dollars, Rosenhaus is clear about Smith’s desires.
Through Rosenhaus, Smith has been vocal about wanting his future to remain in sun-soaked Miami. “Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami,” Rosenhaus says.
For Smith, a player who spent his college days at FIU, Miami isn’t just the team he plays for; it’s home. He’s emphasized that his preference is to stay put, proving his loyalty to the franchise that believed in him.
Publically affirming Smith’s intentions does two things. It reassures fans that Smith isn’t hunting for greener pastures, preserving his reputation as a committed player. Simultaneously, it makes it clear to the Dolphins: if a trade happens, it’s not by Smith’s design.
Now, from the Dolphins’ perspective, weighing the options surrounding Smith’s contract with his on-field output is a tightrope walk. At 30, Smith remains a force in the passing game, even if his blocking might not be his forte.
The arrival of Pharaoh Brown, known more for his blocking prowess, also shapes the team’s strategy going forward. Miami’s recent trend of hefty payouts to star players like Jalen Ramsey, Tyreek Hill, and Tua Tagovailoa is a cautionary tale.
The front office might be hesitant to extend that trend, especially if Smith’s asking price surpasses what they can comfortably manage under the cap.
In the end, the decision to stick with Smith or let him test new waters is all part of the franchise’s broader strategy. It’s a classic NFL scenario: balancing talent retention, cap management, and future planning.
If negotiations reach an impasse, trading Smith might not just salvage value but also align with a broader team vision. But one thing is certain: Jonnu Smith’s future in Miami hinges on which path both sides are willing to take.