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Tag: Jonnu Smith

  • Tua Tagovailoa Sends Three-Word Message About Jonnu Smith

    Tua Tagovailoa Sends Three-Word Message About Jonnu Smith

    When asked if he was “Team Pay Jonnu”, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn’t hesitate.

    “One hundred percent, ” he said.

    That short but powerful message sent a clear signal from the quarterback room to the front office: Jonnu Smith deserves to be paid.

    Smith, entering the final year of his two-year, $8.4 million deal, had a breakout season in 2024. He caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, shattering nearly every franchise record for tight ends in Miami.

    And now, both the coaching staff and his quarterback are speaking up — loud and clear.

    A Career Year Deserving of a Raise

    Let’s put it this way: Jonnu Smith earned every penny of that raise — even if the Dolphins aren’t rushing to write a new check just yet.

    Last season, he became the go-to target in crucial moments, showing soft hands, elite route-running, and a knack for making plays when it mattered most.

    Tagovailoa praised him not only as a player but as a person:

    “That’s my guy, that’s my dog… I think that all of our guys that do what they need to do — they should get paid.”

    Mike McDaniel echoed that sentiment during recent OTA sessions, expressing public support for bringing Smith back full-time.

    But here’s the thing — wants and needs don’t always align with cap realities.

    The Dolphins still have big decisions ahead. And while everyone seems to agree Smith belongs in Miami, the money remains the sticking point.

    Agent Speaks Out – and It’s All Love for Miami

    Smith’s agent recently released a statement reinforcing that Jonnu wants to stay in South Beach.

    He loves the city. He loves the team. He even played college ball at FIU, meaning Miami isn’t just a destination — it’s home.

    Still, love doesn’t pay the bills.

    With other teams likely watching closely, the Dolphins may soon face a decision: restructure his deal or risk losing him in a trade.

    Smith has proven he can be more than just a role player. He’s shown he can be a consistent, matchup-winning weapon on offense — especially when paired with Tagovailoa.

    The Tight End Market Isn’t Helping Miami

    Unfortunately for the Dolphins, the current tight end market doesn’t make keeping Smith easy.

    Veteran players like Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, and Mark Andrews are pulling in contracts well north of $12 million per year. Even mid-tier options like Cole Kmet and Trey McBride are getting multi-year deals pushing $9–10 million annually.

    Smith isn’t asking for superstardom — but after leading the team in receptions last year, he’s clearly worth more than his current salary slot.

    And Tagovailoa knows it.

    “I have nothing bad to say about him… he’s done really good for us.”

    That kind of endorsement from your starting QB isn’t just nice to hear — it carries weight. Especially when you’re trying to negotiate a fair value for production.

    What This Means for the Dolphins?

    At this point, the Dolphins have three choices:

    1. Restructure Smith’s contract to reflect his production and keep him long-term.
    2. Trade him before training camp, hoping to recoup some value instead of losing him for nothing in free agency next year.
    3. Let him play out the year, bet on himself again, and see where things stand in 2025.

    While none of these are ideal, option one feels like the best path forward — especially with Tagovailoa coming off multiple injuries and needing every offensive weapon available.

    If the goal is to return to playoff contention in 2025, cutting ties with one of your most reliable targets wouldn’t exactly help.

    Final Thought: Keep the Momentum Going

    This isn’t just about numbers or locker room chemistry — it’s about momentum.

    Jonnu Smith gave everything he had in 2024. His quarterback, coach, and teammates all back him.

    Now it’s time for the Dolphins’ front office to decide whether they’ll match that belief with action.

    Because if Miami wants to build something real in 2025, keeping their tight end duo intact is a great place to start.

    And if they don’t? You can bet another team will be happy to step in.

  • Tua Tagovailoa Sixth Season Is All About One Thing

    Tua Tagovailoa Sixth Season Is All About One Thing

    For Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback heading into his sixth season, it’s no longer just about proving he can lead the team. It’s about proving he can do it week after week, game after game, without breaking down.

    Last season was a reminder of how fragile that balance is.

    Tagovailoa missed six games due to two separate injuries — one involving a hip issue, the other a scary concussion suffered in Week 2 against the Bills when he collided head-first with safety Damar Hamlin. The result? A frustrating 8-9 finish, and a playoff miss for the first time since 2021.

    Now, as minicamp gets underway and expectations rise again, Tagovailoa isn’t hiding from the reality:

    “Doing everything I can to stay available for the guys.”

    That quote says it all. Because at this point, availability might matter more than arm strength or stats.

    Learning From the Past

    Since being drafted fifth overall in 2020, Tua has shown flashes of brilliance — like his standout 2023 campaign where he threw for a league-high 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns. That season earned him a monster four-year, $212 million extension, cementing his place as the face of the franchise.

    But then came last year.

    The concussion. The hip injury. The missed games. And most importantly, the consequences — Miami went 1-3 with backups Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley under center.

    That’s why this season, more than ever, will be defined by one thing:

    Can Tua stay upright long enough to lead this team through a full year?

    A New Backup Plan

    The Dolphins know they can’t afford another season of stop-start quarterback play.

    That’s why they brought in Zach Wilson, hoping the former second-overall pick can finally turn his career around after struggling with the Jets. They also added rookie Quinn Ewers in the seventh round, giving them multiple options if things go sideways again.

    But Tagovailoa isn’t worried about competition — he’s focused on control.

    “I think it’s really working out for Zach,” Tua said during minicamp. “And the same for Quinn as well.”

    He knows what’s at stake. He sees the investment Miami made in him — and the questions surrounding his durability. So now, he’s taking steps to avoid repeating the past.

    Including adjusting how aggressively he scrambles and when he decides to take a hit.

    “I would say the longevity for me to be on the field with my guys is more important than whatever that one play is.”

    That mindset shift could be the difference between a bounce-back season — or another year of uncertainty.

    Health vs. Competitiveness: A Tough Balance

    This is the tightrope walk every mobile quarterback faces — especially one with Tagovailoa’s playing style.

    He’s competitive. He wants to win. He doesn’t want to shy away from contact. But he also understands that one reckless scramble could cost the Dolphins their entire season.

    That’s why his message is clear:

    “It comes natural to me to compete in that sense. And that’s the thing I fight with.”

    It’s not about losing his edge — it’s about finding smarter ways to play hard without risking long-term damage.

    And for a team that spent big on his future, that evolution couldn’t come soon enough.

    Roster Changes Around Him

    While much of the focus is on Tua, the Dolphins are dealing with some key absences in camp.

    Three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey didn’t participate Tuesday and is reportedly seeking a trade. Meanwhile, tight end Jonnu Smith, who led the team in receptions last year, sat out while trying to restructure his deal.

    These developments add pressure on Tagovailoa to be there — every day, every snap — because the less stability around him, the harder it becomes to build a winning foundation.

    Final Thought: A Make-or-Break Year

    Entering his sixth season, Tua Tagovailoa isn’t chasing hype — he’s chasing consistency.

    The Dolphins gave him a king’s ransom to be their guy. Now, he needs to prove he can be the guy who shows up when it matters most.

    That means learning from past injuries. Adjusting his game. Making smarter decisions. And leaning on those around him to help carry the load.

    Because at this stage of his career, it’s not about potential anymore.

    It’s about proving he can stay healthy — and that the Dolphins made the right bet.

  • Will Jonnu Smith Stay in Miami? Inside His Latest Comments on the Future

    Will Jonnu Smith Stay in Miami? Inside His Latest Comments on the Future

    Despite trade speculation, Jonnu Smith’s heart remains firmly in Miami. The Pro Bowl tight end has made it clear that he wants to continue playing for the Miami Dolphins, even as the team explores potential moves this offseason.

    According to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, Smith is not looking for a change of scenery. Miami is his first choice, both on and off the field.

    “Here’s what I will say on behalf of my client: Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami,” Rosenhaus said. “That’s his first choice. This is where he lives in the off-season. He had a record-breaking season last year.”

    A Season for the Ages

    Smith’s 2024 campaign was one of the best in Dolphins history. He put up 88 receptions, 884 yards, and eight touchdowns, setting new single-season franchise records for a tight end.

    He also became the team’s only Pro Bowl player, proving that he’s one of the most valuable assets on the roster.

    “He broke the team record for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns for a tight end and was the team’s single Pro Bowl player. He’s an incredibly valuable part of this team.”

    Smith’s performance wasn’t just about stats — it was about consistency and impact. He played a key role in the offensive success and proved that he can be a go-to target for Tua Tagovailoa.

    No Desire to Leave South Florida

    Rosenhaus emphasized that Smith isn’t looking to leave Miami, despite the business side of the NFL making things complicated.

    “He went to college at FIU. His dream team is the Dolphins.”

    This sentiment reflects not just a career choice, but a personal commitment. Smith has built a life in Miami and has shown no signs of wanting to move elsewhere.

    However, his breakout season has increased his value, which could tempt the Dolphins to explore trade options.

    Cap Space and Contract Talks

    With Jalen Ramsey’s name being floated in trade discussions, some believe that moving him could help the Dolphins keep Smith.

    NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggested that trading Ramsey might open up cap space and allow the Dolphins to re-sign Smith.

    “Jonnu Smith is one [tight end teams are exploring],” Rapoport said. “It feels to me like he wants more money and would like to stay. … Trading Ramsey might help Jonnu Smith get the contract he wants.”

    But whether Smith stays or goes depends on more than just his desire — it’s about what the Dolphins are willing to do to keep their star tight end.

    What’s Next for Jonnu Smith?

    While Smith has made his intentions clear, the Dolphins’ front office may have other ideas.

    His future in Miami is still uncertain, but his loyalty to the team is not.

    As the offseason progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if the Dolphins make a move to keep one of their most valuable players.

    For now, though, Smith’s message is clear: Miami is home.

  • Is Tyreek Hill Selfishness Hurting the Miami Dolphins?

    Is Tyreek Hill Selfishness Hurting the Miami Dolphins?

    The Miami Dolphins are under the gun going into 2025. Fans and pundits want more than just playoff appearances, they want deep runs, meaningful wins and an end to the longest playoff drought in the NFL. Since Mike McDaniel took over as head coach the Dolphins have made the playoffs twice and lost in the first round both times. Last year was even worse, they didn’t make the playoffs at all.

    They have a roster full of talent but can’t get it all to click when it matters. And while there are many reasons for their inconsistency one name keeps popping up: Tyreek Hill.

    Tyreek Hill’s Pursuit of 2,000 Yards

    Tyreek Hill is one of the most exciting players in the NFL. His speed, agility, and ability to change the game with one play makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. But his personal goals might be trumping the team’s needs.

    Last year, he came close to 2,000 receiving yards – a feat only a handful of players have ever done. This offseason, he doubled down on that goal, saying 2,000 yards is his number one priority for 2025. While setting high goals is great, this singular focus raises concerns about how it will impact the team.

    Hill’s desire to break records puts a ton of pressure on the offense to feed him the ball all the time. Unfortunately, catering to Hill’s stats could come at the expense of balance in the offense – and ultimately the team.

    The Cost of Feeding Hill

    When teams focus too much on one player, it creates holes elsewhere. Opposing defenses have already figured out how to slow Hill down by doubling him or using zone coverage to limit his big play opportunities. If the Dolphins continue to force feed him the ball, they’ll become predictable, and predictable offenses don’t win championships.

    Tua Tagovailoa isn’t known for his ability to read through multiple progressions quickly. He excels at quick passes and spreading the ball around. Forcing him to focus on getting the ball to Hill limits his strengths and the effectiveness of other weapons like Jaylen Waddle and Jonnu Smith.

    An offense built around one player, no matter how good, is flawed. Football is a team sport and success requires everyone on the field to contribute. By focusing so much on Hill’s stats the Dolphins are alienating other key contributors and hurting their chances of winning meaningful games.

    What the Dolphins Need?

    To break their playoff curse and compete for a championship in 2025 they need to be balanced. Here’s what that looks like:

    • A Strong Running Game: A consistent running game keeps defenses honest and opens up passing lanes. The Dolphins need to commit to running the ball effectively, something they’ve struggled with lately.
    • Distributing Targets: Jaylen Waddle is a dynamic receiver who deserves more attention and tight end Jonnu Smith can be a mismatch nightmare if used properly. Spreading the ball around ensures no one player becomes a defensive focal point.
    • Adapting to Situations: Weather, strong opponents and game scripts demand flexibility. Relying too much on Hill makes it harder for the Dolphins to adapt when things don’t go according to plan.

    By being more balanced the Dolphins can maximize their offense and give themselves a better chance to win in January.

    Hill’s Comments Spark Debate

    Hill has never been shy about his goals. His comments about chasing 3,000 yards (then scaling back to 2,000) show his confidence, but also raise questions about his priorities. Is he playing for the team or is he playing for his legacy?

    It’s understandable to admire his ambition but football history shows us individual accolades rarely translate to team success. Tom Brady won 7 Super Bowls not because he chased personal milestones but because he prioritized winning above all else.

    For the Dolphins to thrive Hill needs to change his mindset. Being part of a team doesn’t diminish his greatness—it enhances it.

    Final Thoughts: Team First Mentality

    Tyreek Hill is a once in a generation player and we can’t deny his value to the Dolphins. But his individual goals are threatening to derail the team’s overall goals. If the Dolphins want to break their playoff curse and compete for a championship they need to get away from the one man show offense around Hill.

    Football is a team sport and the Dolphins need to remember that. Balancing Hill’s brilliance with others will be the key to unlocking their full potential. Otherwise 2025 will be another year of disappointment for Miami fans.

  • Dolphins Fans Will Love Who Miami Met with at the 2025 NFL Combine

    Dolphins Fans Will Love Who Miami Met with at the 2025 NFL Combine

    The NFL Combine is more than just 40-yard dashes and bench press reps. Behind the scenes it’s a whirlwind of meetings, strategy sessions and player evaluations that sets the stage for the upcoming draft.

    For the Miami Dolphins this year’s Combine was an opportunity to meet one of the most intriguing prospects in recent memory: Former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.

    Tyler Warren’s “Fun Meeting” with the Dolphins

    On Thursday Tyler Warren confirmed he met with the Miami Dolphins at the Combine. He said it was a “fun meeting”. Warren also praised head coach Mike McDaniel calling him a “smart offensive mind”.

    Warren is widely regarded as the top tight end in this years draft class—and it’s not even close. The only question is whether he’ll go in the first round or not. His athleticism, blocking ability and top end receiving skills make him a rare talent that can impact any offense right away.

    Why Tyler Warren would be a Game-Changer for the Dolphins?

    Warren isn’t just a pass catcher; he’s a complete tight end. He can block in the run game, create mismatches in coverage and make highlight reel catches look routine. Paring him with veteran tight end Jonnu Smith would give the Dolphins a dynamic duo that could take their offense to new heights.

    Impact Over Need

    The Dolphins have bigger needs along the offensive line, defensive line and at safety but Warren is the kind of talent you can’t pass up. Drafting for need often leads to missed opportunities on players who can change the direction of a franchise. Warren is one of those players.

    As one Dolphins fan said: “If you’re asking me to choose between Warren and an offensive lineman, I’m taking Warren every time.”

    Dolphins’ Interest in Warren

    The Dolphins need offensive line, defensive line, and safety but Warren’s talent is too good to pass up. Meeting him at the Combine makes them serious and fans should be excited.

    Warren is a top-10 pick and the Dolphins may have to trade up to get him. But he could be worth it.

    FAQs About Tyler Warren and the Dolphins

    Who is Tyler Warren?

    Tyler Warren is a Penn State tight end and the top tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft. Athletic, versatile and has elite hands. First round pick.

    Why do the Miami Dolphins need Tyler Warren?

    They already have Jonnu Smith but adding Warren would be a game changer on offense. He can block, run routes and make big plays in the passing game. Big boost to the offense.

    Will Tyler Warren fall to the Dolphins in the draft?

    Warren is a top-10 pick so the Dolphins (picking 13th) may have to trade up to get him. But his skill set might be worth it.

    What did Warren say about the Miami Dolphins?

    Warren said the meeting was “fun” and praised coach Mike McDaniel as a “smart offensive mind”. Clearly he made an impression on both sides.