The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a big move, landing Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith in a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins. The deal, which also included star cornerback Jalen Ramsey going to Pittsburgh, sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick the other way.
While the Ramsey part of the trade had been rumored for weeks, many fans were surprised to see Smith included. The tight end had just finished a career-best season in Miami, and his departure seemed unexpected—even to him.
Jonnu Smith Thought He’d Stay in Miami
In his first public comments since the trade, Jonnu Smith opened up about his emotions and the events that led to the move. Speaking on former teammate Terron Armstead’s podcast, Smith admitted he didn’t see it coming.
“I didn’t foresee this happening with how the season went for me individually,” Smith said. “I thought I’d retire a Dolphin.”
Smith called Miami “home” for his family, and said he had hoped to stay long-term. But he also understood the business side of football.
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Record Season Wasn’t Enough
Jonnu Smith is coming off a breakout year with the Dolphins. He posted:
- 88 catches
- 884 receiving yards
- 8 touchdowns
All of those were franchise records for a Miami tight end. His strong performance helped fill the gap left by injuries to stars like Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle.
After such a season, most players expect a raise or contract extension. Smith said he and his agent began talks with Miami back in January, confident he had proven his value.
“We thought it was a no-brainer,” Smith said. “I felt like I was one of the key pieces to this team.”
Miami Couldn’t Afford to Keep Him
Despite Smith’s success, the Dolphins were tight on salary cap space. With large contracts already on the books, including Tagovailoa’s, the front office decided they couldn’t give Smith the deal he wanted.
Eventually, the Dolphins told him they just couldn’t offer a new contract. Smith said the team was honest with him, and there were no hard feelings.
“It stung, but they weren’t sour about it,” Smith added. “They let me move on.”
A New Start in Pittsburgh
That move led him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who quickly gave him a one-year, $12 million extension. Smith now joins a tight end-heavy offense that includes Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Jonnu Smith will also reunite with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who previously coached him during their time together with the Titans and Falcons. That connection could give him an edge as he looks to make an immediate impact.
“You want to be where you’re valued,” Smith said. “And Pittsburgh saw me as a top guy.”
This Jonnu Smith trade could end up being a win-win. The Steelers get a proven pass-catching threat, while the Dolphins free up cap space and bring in defensive help with Minkah Fitzpatrick.
For Smith, it’s about more than football—it’s about respect.
“I’ve got to go where I’m appreciated,” he repeated. “And that’s Pittsburgh.”
