The Miami Dolphins made the unexpected decision to trade tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the beginning of July. The move was not anticipated, especially considering it came on the heels of the ongoing Jalen Ramsey situation — and after Smith had made it clear he wanted to stay in Miami.
“Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami. That’s his first choice,” Smith’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said, via Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson. “This is where he lives in the offseason. He had a record-breaking season last year... His dream team is the Dolphins.”
Smith admitted he was blindsided by the trade, believing he had found a long-term home in Miami.
“I didn't foresee this happening with how the season went for me individually," Smith said. "Obviously I had aspirations of ending my career in Miami, with it basically being home for me, my children, my family. But I understand the business side of it, and it didn't work out. I'm grateful. I've got no ill feelings toward Miami and nobody in the organization. I can't sit here and lie and say it didn't sting when the process was playing itself out."
Ultimately, the decision came down to money — the Dolphins couldn’t offer Smith the deal he believed he deserved. Still, the timing of the split came as a surprise.
The trade left a significant hole in Miami’s tight end room, but the Dolphins quickly responded by adding Darren Waller in a surprising move. However, Dolphins Today’s Nic Rohloff believes the team still needs to add another tight end, as Waller may not be a reliable impact player.
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Rohloff proposed that the Dolphins pursue Rams tight end Tyler Higbee. If Higbee can stay healthy, he would be a strong addition to the offense. The Dolphins still have a talented group on offense — but keeping them healthy has been the team’s biggest challenge in recent seasons.