Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly in talks with the Miami Dolphins to trade for Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had trade discussions with the Miami Dolphins about Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter.
Smith, 29, is coming off the best season of his eight-year NFL career in 2024, when he recorded a career-high 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. But he is scheduled to make just $4.8 million this season and has expressed interest in a new deal.
Smith’s preference is to stay in Miami under a reworked deal, but if the team is unwilling to give him that, a trade could be executed.
The news comes as a bit of a surprise since the Steelers already made Pat Freiermuth one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league last offseason with a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension. They also have tight ends Darnell Washington, Donald Parham Jr. and Connor Heyward on the roster.
However, Pittsburgh has been looking to add another playmaker to its offense since trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month. And given the crop of wide receivers left on the open market, Smith may be the best offensive weapon available.
Smith also has a connection with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The two spent time together with the Tennessee Titans from 2017-20 and then most recently with the Atlanta Falcons (2023).
Smith began his NFL career as a third-round pick (No. 100 overall) by the Titans in the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons in Tennessee before joining the New England Patriots for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
The 6-foot-3, 248-pound tight end then signed with the Falcons to reunite with Smith in Atlanta before heading to the Dolphins last year.
Smith has 307 receptions for 3,307 yards and 28 touchdowns in his professional career.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers in Talks to Trade for Pro Bowl Tight End
