Jonnu Smith was an integral piece of the Miami Dolphins in 2024, and his name has begun to swirl in trade rumors with the Pittsburgh Steelers as he looks for a new contract. However, NFL insider Ian Rapoport suggests that what the team does with fellow veteran Jalen Ramsey could impact Smith’s future with the team.
Jonnu Smith’s Future in Miami Could Become Clearer After Jalen Ramsey Situation is Resolved
“If they are able to trade Jalen Ramsey, that’s $21 million; some of the $21 million will come off the books, depending on how much they pay,” Rapoport said on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on ESPN. “Trading Ramsey might help Jonnu Smith get the contract he wants as well.”
“Jonnu Smith is a big part of the Dolphins..
I know he wants more money and he would like to stay in Miami” ~ @RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/rmpAimYopD
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 30, 2025
“He is actually a part of what the Dolphins want to do,” Rapoport added. “It feels to me like he wants more money and would like to stay.”
Smith had a career year in 2024 in his first season in Miami. In his eighth NFL season, he caught 88 of 111 targets for 884 yards and eight touchdowns while playing in all 17 games en route to his first Pro Bowl selection. The targets, receptions, and receiving yards all shattered his previous career highs, while the eight receiving touchdowns matched a career high.
Smith is in the final year of a two-year, $8.4 million contract he signed with the Dolphins in free agency last offseason. He turns 30 in August, just before the start of the season, and could be looking at his last shot for a significant payday, given his age, and thus wants to capitalize on his play from last season.
The Dolphins ranked No. 15 in PFSN’s Offense+ Rankings, with a score of 76.3 (C). With Tua Tagovailoa missing significant time due to a concussion and significant statistical regression from both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the outside, Smith proved to be an integral part of Mike McDaniel’s offense.
With Tagovailoa back healthy in 2025, Miami will look to get back to the postseason after finishing with a disappointing 8-9 record in 2024. The Dolphins will hope for bounce-back seasons from their top two wide receivers, as well as the return of Smith, in order to return to form offensively.
Ramsey and Smith’s names will be worth monitoring as the season inches closer. Whether the Dolphins can find a taker for Ramsey and part of his salary could impact how much money they can offer Smith in extension talks.