NFL Trade Rumors: Dolphins & Steelers Deep In Trade Talks Over One Player

May 30, 2025 ,
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel calls a play during 2025 game.

Jonnu Smith may be on the move again. 

The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers are deep in trade discussions involving the veteran tight end, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Smith is seeking a restructured deal entering the final year of his two-year contract, which would pay him $4.8 million in 2025. Although Smith reportedly prefers to stay in Miami, his absence from OTAs suggests a resolution may come via trade.

Smith’s 2024 campaign was the best of his career—he posted 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, setting Dolphins franchise records for a tight end. That production earned him a Pro Bowl nod and made him Miami’s top pass-catcher with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle battling injuries. But with contract talks stalled, the Dolphins are considering flipping their top target from last season, potentially leaving them without a proven receiving tight end.

Arthur Smith Reunion Could Drive Steelers' Interest

While Pittsburgh already boasts Pat Freiermuth as its starter, OC Arthur Smith’s long-standing connection to Jonnu Smith is key. The two worked together in Tennessee and Atlanta, with Arthur Smith often maximizing Jonnu’s skill set—highlighted by a career-high eight touchdown season in 2020 and a strong 2023 campaign in Atlanta. 

Bringing him to Pittsburgh would reunite the duo and inject another veteran playmaker into an offense already reshaped by DK Metcalf and the possible arrival of Aaron Rodgers.

Pittsburgh’s tight end group is deep but built more for versatility than star power. Adding Smith would give the Steelers another explosive option in two-tight-end sets, especially valuable after trading George Pickens earlier this month. It’s a luxury move—but one Arthur Smith may be pushing hard for.

Would the Dolphins Really Move On From Their Top Weapon?

Trading Smith wouldn’t come without risks for Miami. He played over 50% of offensive snaps last season and was a key target for Tua Tagovailoa down the stretch. Letting go of their lone Pro Bowl selection from 2024 would be a clear shift in philosophy—or perhaps confidence in a potential replacement, such as a rumored trade for Las Vegas Raiders TE Michael Mayer.

Still, with multiple veterans already gone or on the trade block—including Calais Campbell and Jalen Ramsey—Miami may be leaning into a reset. If the price is right and Smith’s camp remains firm on a raise, the Dolphins could cash in while they still hold leverage.

Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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