NFL insider Adam Schefter recently reported that the Miami Dolphins are in serious trade talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers about tight end Jonnu Smith.
If Miami gets a deal done in the next few weeks, they are going to be in the market to find a new tight end. Smith played a huge role in the offense last season, and the team will have to try to replace that, as tight ends typically play an important role in the Dolphins' offense.
One name that has been in rumors for the past few seasons is Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts. It was reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz that the Falcons are leaning towards keeping him, and that it would take at least a day two pick to even consider trading him.
In the scenario that the Dolphins trade Smith and are desperate for a tight end, why not give up a day two pick for Kyle Pitts? Miami wants to become contenders again as soon as possible, and they are going to have to replace Smith quickly if they want to do so. Pitts has shown what he is capable of when the ball comes his way, and in a Mike McDaniel offense, he is destined to succeed.
The trade would be Jalen Ramsey and a third-round pick for Kyle Pitts, Mike Hughes, and a sixth-round pick. The Falcons would be getting the day two pick they are looking for, plus one of the best veteran corners in the league to put across from A.J. Terrell to solidify their secondary. Terrell has been one of the best corners in the league year in and year out, but the Falcons have struggled to put anyone across from him who can match his level of play.
Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
This trade would do that while also securing a third-round pick. The Falcons are one of the teams on the rise that are just a few pieces away from being contenders. Second-year quarterback Michael Penix looks like he is going to be good, so they have to make sure they surround him with weapons and bulk up the defense.
This pick will allow them to get a third-round talent that will go towards making them contenders in the near future, possibly Pitts' replacement or a receiver. They will not miss Hughes at all once replaced with Ramsey, and giving up Pitts to get him, plus a good pick, would be in the team's best interest.
The Dolphins would get Pitts to replace Smith and have another weapon for Tagovailoa and the offense. Pitts had 47 catches for 602 yards and four touchdowns. His receiver-like skills mixed with his 6'6 246-pound frame make him a mismatch for any safety or linebacker.
Creating that mismatch on the inside and having Tyreek Hill with his speed on the outside is going to make defenses make some tough decisions. The Dolphins have also already been planning for life without Ramsey, so getting back an experienced veteran corner in Mike Hughes is exactly what they need. Just another body with experience that can make plays for them and their depleted secondary.
Hughes started 15 games for the Falcons last season and recorded 66 tackles, four tackles for loss, and six pass deflections. Hughes is a versatile cornerback who can play anywhere in the secondary the Dolphins need him to. His playmaking abilities and ball skills would make him a perfect fit in Miami's defense.
The Dolphins would get their new tight end and a veteran cornerback who can still make plays and somewhat replace Ramsey. This would not fix their cornerback situation, but it would upgrade the room from what it is. If the Dolphins do decide to trade Smith, then they should go all in for Pitts and secure their tight end of the future.