The Miami Dolphins are once again in the trade rumor mill, with another veteran seemingly on his way out of South Beach.
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dolphins are in trade discussions to send Miami's lone 2024 Pro Bowler, tight end Jonnu Smith, to Pittsburgh.
Smith, an eight-year NFL veteran, expressed his desire for a new contract following his breakout season that saw him set career highs with 884 receiving yards, 88 receptions, and eight touchdowns. All of which were franchise records for a tight end.
The former FIU product is set to make $4.8 million on his current deal, and it's obvious Smith is looking for starting tight end money.
According to Schefter, Smith's preference would be to stay with the Dolphins on a reworked contract, but if Miami isn't willing to play ball, he will have to look elsewhere to get what he's looking for.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks strategy during the second half between the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks strategy during the second half between the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium.
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has previous ties with Smith, having coached him during two separate stints with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons.
The Steelers' pursuit is a bit head-scratching, considering they already have a solid tight end on the roster in Pat Freiermuth and have already given up draft capital this offseason when they traded for DK Metcalf.
For the Dolphins, moving off their star tight end from last season would make little to no sense, as there isn't a clear replacement for him on the roster.
Julian Hill, Pharaoh Brown, and Tanner Connor have little to no starting experience among them, so in the event Miami makes this trade, expect them to make a corresponding move on the veteran tight end market.
Gerald Everett, Hayden Hurst, and C.J. Uzomah are players who are still available on the market.