Steelers Pursue Dolphins’ Jonnu Smith in Trade Discussions as Contract Dispute Intensifies

As the NFL offseason barrels toward its next major chapter, a potential blockbuster trade is quietly building momentum behind the scenes. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly in active talks with the Miami Dolphins regarding veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, a development that could send ripples across the league.

Sources close to both organizations suggest that Pittsburgh has been monitoring Smith’s situation for weeks, intrigued by both his skill set and the uncertainty surrounding his current contract dispute in Miami. Smith, who joined the Dolphins earlier this offseason after being traded from Atlanta, has yet to fully integrate with the team’s offseason program due to disagreements over the final structure of his contract.

The tension between Smith and the Dolphins has escalated in recent days, with insiders describing the situation as “on the verge of boiling over.” Smith, 28, is seeking additional guarantees and long-term stability after back-to-back seasons of inconsistent usage, and he reportedly feels that Miami has not demonstrated the commitment he expected when the trade was finalized in March.

Now, the Steelers—always a team known for valuing tough, athletic tight ends—appear to be circling. Pittsburgh’s interest makes sense from both a roster and a strategic standpoint. With Pat Freiermuth recovering from injuries and the team lacking veteran depth behind him, Smith could offer a perfect complement to their tight end room.

Jonnu Smith is no stranger to the AFC, having played his best football under Titans head coach Mike Vrabel from 2017 to 2020. His blend of speed, strength, and versatility made him a threat in both the passing and running game. While his stints in New England and Atlanta failed to live up to expectations, many around the league believe that with the right system and quarterback, Smith could return to Pro Bowl-caliber form.

Pittsburgh, with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith—who coached Jonnu in Tennessee and again in Atlanta—may see this as the perfect reunion. Arthur Smith knows how to utilize Smith in a way few other coaches do, employing him in hybrid roles that leverage his athleticism and create mismatches.

Moreover, the Steelers are heading into a pivotal year. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields battling for the starting quarterback role and an aggressive approach to retooling the offense, acquiring a seasoned and dynamic tight end like Jonnu Smith could be a game-changer.

For the Dolphins, the situation is more complicated. They acquired Smith hoping he could be a reliable secondary option behind star receiver Tyreek Hill and emerging tight end Durham Smythe. However, Miami’s tight cap situation and long-term financial commitments to players like Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, and Hill have made renegotiating Smith’s deal a tough sell.

While Miami doesn’t want to give up on Smith before he’s played a snap in aqua and orange, the front office may decide that moving him now, while interest is high, is better than letting the situation deteriorate further. Miami is believed to be asking for either a mid-round draft pick or a young, cost-controlled player in return.

According to league insiders, a potential trade could involve Pittsburgh sending a 2025 fourth-round pick and a young backup offensive lineman to Miami in exchange for Smith. While nothing is finalized, both teams are reportedly engaged in “serious discussions,” and a deal could materialize quickly if contract terms can be worked out on the Steelers’ end.

One hurdle to clear would be Smith’s restructured contract. Pittsburgh would likely need to renegotiate the final year to fit within their current salary cap. However, given the Steelers’ front office track record of creative financial maneuvering, insiders believe that’s a manageable obstacle.

If completed, this trade could significantly shift the balance of power in the AFC. The Steelers, who have been caught in a cycle of mediocrity since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, are aggressively seeking to return to relevance in the AFC North. A healthy and motivated Jonnu Smith would give them another offensive weapon and a critical edge in two-tight end formations.

As for the Dolphins, while they’d lose a potential offensive contributor, unloading Smith might allow them more financial flexibility as they continue to build around their core. They may also view the potential compensation—especially if it involves offensive line depth—as a fair return.

With training camps just weeks away, the clock is ticking for teams to finalize their rosters. While neither side has publicly confirmed the talks, multiple league sources suggest that momentum is building, and both Pittsburgh and Miami are “very much in play” for a major transaction.

Jonnu Smith may soon find himself wearing black and gold once more, reunited with the coach who brought out the best in him. If the deal gets done, it won’t just be another routine trade—it could be one of the most impactful moves of the 2025 offseason.