The Miami Dolphins pulled off a stunning blockbuster trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this week, bringing Minkah Fitzpatrick to town. Heading the other way were Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, giving the Steelers some more talent as they look to capitalize on Aaron Rodgers’ stint with the team. While Ramsey was expecting to get traded, the Dolphins’ decision to unload Smith caught everyone, including the man himself, by surprise.
After flashing his potential throughout his career, Smith finally enjoyed a true breakout campaign in 2024 with the Dolphins. As a result, he wanted a new contract, but it was one that Miami’s front office was unwilling to hand him. So, they decided to send him to Pittsburgh, and in the wake of the trade, Smith opened up on how he feels about being involved in this groundbreaking trade.
Jonnu Smith Discusses Shocking Dolphins-Steelers Trade
A third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Smith initially broke into the NFL with the Tennessee Titans. After hauling in eight touchdowns in 2020, Smith cashed in and earned a four-year, $50 million contract from the New England Patriots, although he completely flamed out with them and got traded to the Atlanta Falcons after just two seasons.
While Smith put together a strong campaign with the Falcons, he got released at the end of the season. That led him to the Dolphins, where he finally discovered his full potential. In 17 games, Smith racked up 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.
Considering how successful he was with Miami, it makes sense that Smith would want to finish his career with them, but that won’t happen now that he’s been sent to Pittsburgh. While Smith is disappointed to have been traded to the Dolphins, he said he holds no ill will towards the team, even though they could not find a way to keep him in town.
“I didn’t foresee this happening with how the season went for me individually,” Smith said, via David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “I had aspirations of ending my career in Miami, with it being home for me, my children, my family. But I understand the business side of it, and it didn’t work out. I’m grateful. I’ve got no ill feelings toward Miami and nobody in the organization.”
Dolphins Swing Another Trade After Dealing Jonnu Smith
GettyJonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins during the Pro Bowl
Considering how important Smith was to the Dolphins’ offense in 2025, it’s safe to say the team will miss him on offense. However, they didn’t wait too long to fill their void at tight end, as they swung another trade with the New York Giants to acquire Darren Waller, who is coming out of retirement to play for Miami.
With Waller at tight end, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa still has a decent crop of playmakers at his disposal, as Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane are all still on board. If the offense can revert to its 2023 form, it could still manage to put together a bounce-back campaign after struggling in 2024.
