The Miami Dolphins are facing tough decisions this offseason, and one of the most pressing involves tight end Jonnu Smith, whose future with the team remains uncertain due to stalled contract talks.
Despite publicly expressing his desire to stay in South Florida, Smith’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, revealed that no agreement has been reached yet.
“Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami. That’s his first choice,” Rosenhaus told Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson .
“This is where he lives in the offseason. He had a record-breaking season last year… His dream team is the Dolphins.”
But dreams don’t always match reality — especially when money gets involved.
With the Dolphins working under tight cap constraints, keeping Smith may not be financially feasible unless other moves are made to free up space.
Still, both sides remain optimistic that it can get done before training camp kicks off.
“It will be resolved I think by training camp, but it’s still very active right now,” Rosenhaus added.
Steelers Re-Enter the Picture
While Smith hopes to stay, the Pittsburgh Steelers have reignited their interest in acquiring him, thanks in part to an injury that sidelined starting tight end Pat Freiermuth for the entire 2025 season.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers have resumed conversations with the Dolphins about a potential deal:
“Back in it: The Steelers renewed conversations today with Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith. The trade between the Steelers and Dolphins is still alive, per source.”
That news came as a surprise to many, especially after earlier reports suggested Miami was leaning toward keeping Smith and moving on from Jalen Ramsey instead.
But with Pittsburgh needing depth and Miami needing cap relief, the idea of a trade makes sense — even if it’s not what Smith or or Dolphins fans want.
Why Jonnu Still Hopes to Stay
Smith has every reason to want to remain in Miami.
Last season, he enjoyed a career year, setting personal records in receptions and receiving yards, all while developing strong chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
He also emphasized that Miami feels like home, saying:
“My dream team is the Dolphins.”
That sentiment isn’t just lip service. Smith spends his offseasons in Miami, fully integrated into the community and committed to the culture the team is building.
And head coach Mike McDaniel values his contributions — both on and off the field.
So why would the Dolphins consider moving him?
Because sometimes, business wins over heart.
Cap Realities May Force Miami’s Hand
The Dolphins are not broke — but they’re not flush either.
With key veterans like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Jevon Holland already commanding large portions of the cap, Miami must make smart decisions to avoid being handcuffed long-term.
Keeping Smith past 2025 could become costly, especially if he continues trending upward.
At the same time, trading him could bring back draft capital or help offset Ramsey’s expensive deal.
Rosenhaus insists nothing has been decided:
“Nothing has been finalized at this juncture.”
But until something changes, the uncertainty lingers.
A Waiting Game with Big Implications
Jonnu Smith’s situation is more than just another contract story — it’s a reflection of how quickly NFL plans can change.
For now, he’s focused on proving his value again in training camp and hoping the Dolphins find a way to keep him.
If they can’t? The Steelers are waiting — whether they’re excited about it or not.
And if Miami decides to hold onto him and move Jalen Ramsey instead?
That could reshape the secondary and offensive strategy alike.
As the summer progresses, expect this storyline to develop further, with real consequences for the Dolphins’ 2025 season.
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