Jonnu Smith believed his NFL career would end in Miami, and the city would become home for his family. But the Pro Bowl tight end was thrown a curveball when he was part of a trade last week that sent him and cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The trade stunned Smith, who was coming off a 2024 season that saw the 29-year-old set Dolphins franchise records for the most catches (88), receiving yards (884) and touchdowns (8) by a tight end in a single season.
“I felt like I was in a position and one of the key ingredients to helping this team succeed and after the season ended, me and my agent, we like, ‘This a no brainer. We gone be here forever,’” Smith said on former NFL lineman Terron Armstead’s podcast. “It’s a lot of things positive that were working for me individually after the season for me to be in Miami long term — like even life after football.”
Smith said he was hopeful the Dolphins would engage with him on new contract talks. The sides had discussions early in the offseason, but the tight end said the team gave him the “run-around.”
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“Obviously, they had some things they had to address, and I understand that,” Smith said. “I was patient with them throughout the whole entire process, and eventually it came to a point in time where they told me that they just can’t do it and they weren’t economically in a position to pay me like a Pro Bowl tight end.”
Smith ended up signing a one-year, $12 million extension through 2026 with the Steelers following the trade — an increase from the $3.49 million base salary he will earn this season.
Despite experiencing the tough, business side of football, Smith said he is “grateful” for his time with the Dolphins and has “no ill feelings toward Miami and nobody in the organization.”
After one season in Miami, the eight-year NFL veteran is happy to have landed with the Steelers.
“I’m in a situation where I’m appreciated,” Smith said, adding, “you’re always going to go where you’re most valued and appreciated.”
