The Miami Dolphins are sitting at an important crossroads. Rumors swirl about a potential Jonnu Smith trade, which may reveal the true direction of this football team.
Trading away Jonnu Smith would weaken the Dolphins offense and would signal more roster turnover.
With HC Mike McDaniel on the hotseat, the likely departure of Jalen Ramsey and Tua Tagovailoa returning from injury, the Dolphins need to find resolution and direction.
If the Dolphins did deal Smith, it could mark the start of a broader shift—possibly towards a full-scale rebuild.
Smith Trade Could Signal Deeper Motive
Jonnu Smith was originally signed by the Dolphins to be more than just a stopgap.
The nine-year veteran signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins just last season and had a remarkable 2024 campaign.
Smith had 88 receptions for 884 yards and 8 touchdowns. All were career highs.
Trading away a player who is coming off a franchise record season would hurt the Dolphins in many ways.
Smith is a versatile piece who can create mismatches and balance an offensive attack that HC Mike McDaniel covets.
Moving on from him now would strip the Dolphins of a flexible, versatile piece.
With the Dolphins looking to get back to their 2023 season form, trading away Smith would leave Tua Tagovailoa with fewer weapons to throw to.
A departure of the prolific tight end would be a disservice to the team and in the direction the Dolphins are desperately trying to bring back.
Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald noted that if a Jonnu Smith trade happened, the Dolphins “might as well be tanking again”.