The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly in talks regarding a potential trade that would send veteran tight end Jonnu Smith to the AFC North, league sources confirmed Friday. The discussions are still preliminary, but there’s growing interest on both sides as training camps approach.
At the heart of the potential deal is Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who coached Jonnu Smith during their shared time with the Tennessee Titans and later in Atlanta with the Falcons. That familiarity could make Pittsburgh a natural landing spot for the 28-year-old tight end, especially as the Steelers look to bolster their offensive weapons for quarterback Russell Wilson.
Smith, known for his athleticism and versatility, caught 50 passes for 582 yards and three touchdowns last season with the Falcons. Though not quite the breakout season some envisioned, it was a solid rebound after a quieter stint in New England. His blocking ability and knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage make him a valuable asset in Arthur Smith’s tight end-friendly scheme.
For the Dolphins, moving on from Smith — acquired just this offseason — would be more about strategic roster shaping than performance concerns. Miami is reportedly looking to free up cap space and create room for younger, ascending players at the position. They also remain focused on maintaining flexibility as they navigate long-term deals for key stars like Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle.
It’s unclear what compensation the Dolphins would seek in return, but a mid-to-late round pick or a player swap seems likely. The Steelers, meanwhile, have made a series of moves this offseason that suggest they are looking to compete immediately, and adding a familiar, reliable target like Jonnu Smith would align with that strategy.
While nothing is finalized, the connection between Arthur Smith and Jonnu Smith adds a compelling layer to these trade talks — one that could bring the veteran tight end to Pittsburgh sooner rather than later.
