The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers sent shockwaves through the NFL Monday morning with one of the most notable trades of the offseason. And it just so happened that multiple players central to the move were holding out for moves to new squads.
Dolphins All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey headlined the deal, but another one of his teammates – tight end Jonnu Smith – was involved in the transaction. Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter that Smith will sign a one-year contract extension worth $12 million with the Steelers.
The full details of the trade include both Ramsey and Smith, along with a 2027 seventh-round pick, being sent to the Steelers in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick (also an All-Pro cornerback) and a 2027 fifth-round pick, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) looks on from the field after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) looks on from the field after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Smith had been connected to the Steelers since May 29, the day Schefter first reported that the organization engaged in trade talks with the Dolphins regarding Smith, who was looking to rework a previous deal that would have paid him $4.8 million this upcoming season.
Smith's move to Pittsburgh will also reunite him with one of his former coaches – offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who served as the Tennessee Titans' tight ends coach and then as their offensive coordinator between 2017 and 2020. Jonnu Smith was a member of the Titans organization for all four of those seasons.
Originally a third-round (No. 100 overall) pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Jonnu Smith has spent time with the Titans, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons and Dolphins over the course of his eight-year professional football career. Jonnu Smith made the AFC's 2024 Pro Bowl roster and has recorded 3,307 yards and 28 touchdowns on 307 total receptions while in the league.