Jonnu Smith never saw it coming. After his best NFL season in Miami, complete with a Pro Bowl selection and what seemed like a clear path to a long-term deal, the veteran tight end was blindsided by a trade to Pittsburgh. But sometimes the best opportunities come disguised as disappointments.
Why Did the Dolphins Trade Their Pro Bowl Tight End?
Smith didn’t expect to leave the Miami Dolphins. After a record-breaking season, a Pro Bowl nod, and what felt like mutual momentum toward a long-term future with the Dolphins, the veteran tight end was already imagining life in South Florida for the long haul.
However, the two sides couldn’t agree on the contract terms, and he was eventually traded to the Steelers. While the trade stung at first, Smith is now honored and excited to catch passes from Aaron Rodgers and play in Mike Tomlin’s offense.
“You check all the boxes, what more do you want? You basically check all the boxes,” he said on the Zach Smackz Show. “You’re going up there to a historic franchise with a historic coach, with a historic QB. I mean, if God ain’t had his hands on that, you know what I mean? I’m humbled, I’m honored. I’m hoping to get up there and get to work.”
Smith went on to praise the Steelers and name Tomlin and Rodgers the Hall of Fame coaches and quarterbacks, respectively.
“You know the old saying ‘The stars are aligned,'” Smith added. “I said this earlier, what more can I ask for? As a football head, as a football junkie, I’m in the best possible situation that any football junkie would want to be. I’m in a winning organization, Hall of Fame quarterback [Rodgers], Hall of Fame coach with Mike T. [Tomlin], all types of ballers on both sides of the ball.”
What Does Jonnu Smith Bring to Pittsburgh’s Championship Push?
Smith adds a versatile weapon to the Steelers’ offense. In 2024, he caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, while averaging 5.8 yards after catch per reception. His ability to create mismatches in the middle of the field should complement the Steelers’ receiving corps and provide a reliable target for Rodgers, alongside DK Metcalf.
The 29-year-old also reunites with Arthur Smith, his former coordinator and head coach, under whom he saw consistent usage and growth in Tennessee. For Smith, there’s trust in that system, and he hopes to help the franchise end its Super Bowl drought.
“I couldn’t be more ecstatic for this opportunity to be a Steeler at this time of my career, and help trail-blaze this organization to a championship,” Smith concluded.
