The Miami Dolphins ended all talk of a rumored extension for Jonnu Smith this week by trading the tight end to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, there seems to be no love lost between Smith and the team, as the former Dolphin threw some shade on a recent podcast appearance.
According to Bryce Lazenby of Yahoo Sports, Smith appeared on “The Terron Armstead Podcast” on Wednesday evening to provide some thoughts and talk about the deal a little further. “Smith mentioned that he feels ‘appreciated’ and ‘valued’ by Pittsburgh,” Lazenby wrote, before going on to quote Smith. “I’m in a situation where I’m appreciated,” Smith said on the podcast Wednesday evening, later adding that “you’re always going to go where you’re most valued and appreciated.”
Smith had a career year in his lone season with the Dolphins, catching a team-high 88 passes for 884 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns as the team finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Even though the team struggled, Smith proved to be an integral piece of the offense.
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) gains yards after catch during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) gains yards after catch during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Naturally, Smith walked into the offseason feeling he was worthy of a raise, but the Dolphins disagreed and traded him. The way the team handled it clearly rubbed Smith the wrong way, which led to him throwing shade on Armstead’s podcast. Lazenby also outlined that Smith felt “stung” by the trade and that “the tight end hoped to work out an extension with the Dolphins this offseason, but nothing came to fruition.”
Where the Dolphins faltered, the Steelers stepped up. “I had to make the decision to go where I’m appreciated and viewed on paper, economically, contract-wise, as a top guy in this league, which I know I am,” Smith said. “Pittsburgh was the team that saw me as that.” Lazenby wrote.
Smith made it clear that he felt the Dolphins didn’t view him the way he wanted to, and felt he should be viewed after such an impressive season. He wanted to stay in Miami and build on that momentum, but the Dolphins had different ideas. That hurt Smith.
Now, all his attention goes towards the new surroundings in Pittsburgh. Smith reunites with his former Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, once again, and he’ll be looking to show Miami and the rest of the NFL that he’s worth every penny of his new one-year $12 million extension.