Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith’s name has come up in recent trade rumors now that the NFL’s key June 1 date has passed. He’s been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but one of the team’s tight ends made it clear how he feels about that idea.
Steelers TE Connor Heyward Gets Honest About Jonnu Smith Trade Rumors
Smith was a third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent his first four years in Tennessee, with his best season coming in 2020 when he posted career highs in catches (41), yards (448), and touchdowns (eight).
After short stints with the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, Smith signed a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. He finally found his stride in 2024.
The Dolphins had their struggles, but Smith thrived, setting new career highs in receptions (88) and yards (884), while tying his career-best with eight touchdowns. His strong year has led to speculation that Miami could look to move him, and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer floated the Steelers as a possible landing spot.
With Donald Parham Jr. suffering a torn Achilles and Smith having previous experience with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the connection in Pittsburgh makes sense. But not everyone is on board.
Steelers tight end Connor Heyward pushed back on the idea.
Sources: Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles during today’s OTAs that now is likely to end his 2025 season. A brutal injury. https://t.co/fyipieiizU pic.twitter.com/Mxyxkqh8id
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2025
Via Brendan Howe of Steelers Now, Heyward said, “If that (trade) was to happen — and I don’t think it’s gonna happen — Pat’s [Freiermuth] here. We have DK [Metcalf]. That’s like having George [Pickens] and DK. You’ve gotta have one or the other.”
When asked if he and the rest of the tight end group had been following the rumors, Heyward didn’t hold back.
“I mean, we all see it, but let’s be honest, it would be complicated having him and Pat. They’re kind of the same type of tight end. They both gotta have 100 balls a year thrown their way, so you’ve seen that.
“We all have produced — me, Darnell [Washington], and Pat. So if that was to happen, we’d welcome it. At the same time, we know Pat’s our guy right now. Our offense is gonna go through him, DK, Cal, and our running backs. When me and Darnell get in, we make the most of it. We know our role, and Pat is one of our major guys here.”
Heyward is the younger brother of longtime Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward.
Where Would Smith Fit in Pittsburgh’s Offense After Parham Injury?
The Steelers signed Parham to a one-year deal this offseason after he spent 2024 on the Broncos’ practice squad. Freiermuth is still the team’s clear TE1, and Parham was expected to be a depth piece. That plan took a hit after Parham’s injury, possibly opening a door for Smith to join an offense that ranked 25th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric.
Freiermuth led the team with 65 catches and seven touchdowns in 2024 and was second with 653 receiving yards. Heyward and Washington combined for just 25 catches, 240 yards, and two scores.
It’s fair for Heyward to want to protect his role, but the numbers make it obvious. If the Steelers want to boost their tight end production, ignoring a player who just put up 88 catches and nearly 900 yards would be a mistake.