Jonnu Smith signed a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the Miami Dolphins this past offseason. In what has been a disappointing season for Miami, Smith has been worth every penny.
Calais Campbell was another player the Dolphins signed in the offseason, and he has also played quite well. Smith recently appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he praised Campbell and compared him to LeBron James.
Jonnu Smith Praised Calais Campbell on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’
Campbell and Smith have been teammates for the past two seasons, as the duo played together in Atlanta before signing with Miami. During his appearance on the show, Smith revealed that the 38-year-old defensive end is one of his favorite teammates of all time.
“Calais [Campbell] is one of my favorite teammates in all the sports that I’ve played,” said Smith. “He’s like the LeBron James of the NFL right now … As far as his age and the production that he brings to the game, still playing at a high level. The guy is 1,000 years old and playing like he’s 21.”
“The best leader I’ve been around. Good dude, good person, deserves everything that’s coming to him.”
"@CalaisCampbell is one of my favorite teammates that I've ever had..
He's the best leader that I've ever been around and I would go thru a brick wall for him" @Easymoney_81 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/NOKlQNMTdl
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 18, 2024
Campbell, who is in his 17th season in the NFL, has recorded 26 tackles, seven assists, nine tackles for loss, five deflections, one forced fumble, and 4.0 sacks in 10 games this year. He currently leads the Dolphins in sacks, as well as tackles for loss, and has contributed for much more than the $2 million Miami paid to sign him on a one-year deal.
Both Smith and Campbell have been big contributors for the Dolphins this year. The 29-year-old tight end currently has more receiving yards and touchdowns than Jaylen Waddle this season. Only Tyreek Hill has been a more productive player than Smith on offense for the Dolphins this year.
The AFC East franchise is lucky to have a player like him, as he fits perfectly in Mike McDaniel’s system. In Miami’s Week 11 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, Smith finished with six receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets.
Dolphins Stay Alive in Race to the Playoffs With Win in Week 11
The Dolphins looked done two weeks ago after they suffered a 30-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, after wins against the Los Angeles Rams and the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami has kept its playoff hopes alive.
Miami is 4-6 heading into Week 12 and is currently 1.5 games behind the Denver Broncos for the last Wild Card spot. According to PFN’s in-house metrics, the Dolphins have one of the easiest schedules remaining in the league (26th most difficult), and they have a real chance of making the postseason.
The Dolphins’ remaining schedule, 2024:
- Week 12: vs. New England Patriots
- Week 13: at Green Bay Packers
- Week 14: vs. New York Jets
- Week 15: at Houston Texans
- Week 16: vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Week 17: at Cleveland Browns
- Week 18: at New York Jets
Under McDaniel, the Dolphins have always been a good home team when Tua Tagovailoa is available. They have had their struggles in cold-weather games, but playing struggling teams like the Browns and the Jets in cold weather is much better than playing the Bills or the Chiefs.
Bradley Chubb is also expected to make his season debut in the coming weeks, and his presence will be a huge boost for Campbell and the Dolphins’ defense.
The Week 13 game against the Packers is arguably their toughest game left on the schedule. If they win that one, along with the Week 12 game against the Patriots, Miami will be in a very good spot to make the playoffs. It would be a huge achievement, given the four games Tagovailoa missed this season due to another concussion.