Steelers Now
Talks between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins over a potential trade of tight end Jonnu Smith have reignited on Tuesday, according to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The Steelers and Dolphins had some preliminary discussions about Smith late last week, with Pittsburgh in the market for a pass-catcher, but the fit with the tight end was not an obvious one, with the Steelers already having Pat Freiermuth under long-term contract.
Schefter himself reported on Monday that a deal between the Steelers and Dolphins for the veteran pass-catching tight end seemed unlikely, but all of that changed on Tuesday, with talks back on between the two teams.
Schefter did not report the reason for the sudden change, but team sources confirmed legitimate interest from the club to Steelers Now, and not just simply the Steelers being used as leverage between the Dolphins and agent Drew Rosenhaus.
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 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.
Aaron Becker contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Renew Trade Talks for Pro Bowl Tight End
