Miami Dolphins
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The Dolphins were seen as a potential landing spot for Jonnu Smith
The Miami Dolphins’ skill positions are the weakest they have been since the 2021 season. After their receiving corps and running backs struggled during the 2020 season, the Dolphins drafted wide receiver Jaylen Waddle with the sixth overall pick in the draft. While Waddle provided an offensive boost and a reliable target for former quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Miami’s offense still lacked playmakers.
What occurred next defined the next era of Dolphins football as the team traded for All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill and paired him with Jaylen Waddle. Additionally, the team signed running back Raheem Mostert in free agency, and the Dolphins became one of the fastest offenses in the NFL. That would not change as the Dolphins kept on adding skill players under Mike McDaniel, as they drafted De’Von Achane in the 2023 NFL Draft, and signed tight end Jonnu Smith prior to the 2024 season.
Afterreleasing Tyreek Hill andtrading Jaylen Waddle, only De’Von Achane remains with Pro Bowl pedigree for the Dolphins. Miami’s current projected depth chart has free agent additions Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert as their top two starters, despite neither surpassing 200 receiving yards last season.
However, one Dolphins writer pitched a potential reunion which would see them add a former Pro Bowl playmaker.
Miami Dolphins Pitched Reunion With Jonnu Smith
The Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly,while on The Dolphins Collective show, discussed the idea of bringing in a player like Jonnu Smith as they were talking about the team’s current lack of playmakers on offense. Kelly said, “Did Jonnu Smith sign with anyone? Last I checked there’s still a lot of good talent out there. While teams have shifted their attention to the draft, which the Dolphins are clearly doing. That doesn’t mean that you can’t go get good players post-draft.”
Sports Illustrated’s Alain Poupart pushed back on the idea, arguing the Dolphins likely wouldn’t sign anyone over the age of 30, and Kelly replied that he wouldn’t give them big money, more so a veteran minimum contract or something in the range of $3 million.
Kelly is not the first to bring up the Dolphins reuniting with Smith. After the Steelers released the former Pro Bowl tight end,CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo listed potential landing spots for Smith, in which he included the Dolphins.
Smith’s Dolphins Season
Smith spent only one season with the Dolphins, but it marked a high point in his career. During his 2024 Dolphins season, Smith set career-highs in receptions and receiving yards. With the Dolphins having a stagnant run game in 2024, Miami’s quick passing game toward Smith helped replace some of the lack of run game production.
While Smith was on a two-year deal with the Dolphins, he wanted a new deal following his Pro Bowl season, and requested a trade once it became evident Miami was not going to give him that deal. The Dolphins then traded him to the Steelers, where he received a one-year, $12 million extension. Unfortunately for Smith, his usage with the Steelers was limited and he totaled his lowest receiving yards since his rookie season which led to his release.
Despite his $53 million in career earnings,according to Spotrac, following his release amid his disappointing season, Smith could be a candidate to provide some veteran experience at a low cost for the Dolphins.