Jonnu Smith Takes Shots at Dolphins for Trading Him to Steelers after Pro Bowl Season: “That One Stung”

The trade from the Dolphins to the Steelers stung Jonnu Smith, but he’s determined to prove himself by surpassing his 2024 numbers.

Jonnu Smith Takes Shots at Dolphins for Trading Him to Steelers after Pro Bowl Season: “That One Stung”

Jonnu Smith (Image via IMAGO)

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Tight end Jonnu Smith’s plans to build on the success of the 2024 season went down the drain after the Miami Dolphins traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this month. The news initially shocked Smith, but along the way, he realized that this was the only way forward.

The Pro Bowler isn’t pleased with the outcome because he wished to remain and end his career in Miami. During a guest appearance on Terron Armstead’s podcast, Smith shared that the trade news left a bad taste in his mouth.

I didn’t think that [the Dolphins believed] trading Jonnu Smith—that’s where our success starts.

Jonnu Smith told Armstead via NFL.com

Smith still had one year left on his contract. After the stellar 884 yards and 8 touchdowns season, Smith thought he had established himself as an important part of the Dolphins roster. He sought a career-changing raise like Trey McBride, but the Dolphins had other ideas.

Eventually, it came to a point in time when they told me that they just can’t do it, it wasn’t economically able to put me in a position to be paid like a Pro Bowl tight end. And that one stung, and we tried to figure it out, and we just couldn’t.

Smith added

General manager Chris Grier traded Smith and All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a late-round pick. Smith signed a one-year extension worth $12 million to play alongside Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington.

Jonnu Smith is optimistic about the Steelers’ move

The Steelers are going for it this year. Following their disappointing exit from the wildcard round last season, the Steelers cut both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, replacing the pair with a 4x league MVP quarterback and drafting college football champion Will Howard.

Jonnu Smith Takes Shots at Dolphins for Trading Him to Steelers after Pro Bowl Season: "That One Stung"
Jonnu Smith during his Tennessee Titans days (Image via IMAGO)

Head coach Mike Tomlin’s pursuit of Rodgers was intriguing to follow. According to reports, both shared admiration for one another, and Rodgers, in particular, wanted to play for a blue-chip organization like the Steelers.

George Pickens‘ departure raised a few questions because the former second-rounder put up exceptional numbers in his first three years. His trade left a void. However, GM Omar Khan did not replace a receiver with another; instead, he strengthened the tight end room by adding Smith, who is peaking at the right time.

I’ve got to go where I am appreciated and viewed on paper, economically, contract-wise as a top guy in this league, which I know I am. And Pittsburgh was the team.

Smith quipped

However, there’s concerning news for the Steelers fans. Despite creating a strong team on paper, the recent polls suggested that the Steelers are only favorites to win six games:

Week 1 at the New York Jets (-3), Week 2 vs. the Seattle Seahawks (-1.5), Week 6 vs. the Cleveland Browns (-6.5), Week 9 vs. the Indianapolis Colts (-3.5), Week 15 vs. the Dolphins (-2.5), and Week 17 at the Browns (-2.5).

Interestingly, neither the Steelers nor the Dolphins gained or lost any leverage, even after the trades. The Steelers remain at (+3500), while the Dolphins are at (+8000) odds to win the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in 2026.

The Steelers face off against Rodgers’ former team, the New York Jets, and the Dolphins travel to Indianapolis to play the Colts in week one. Jonnu Smith will have a chance to get revenge against the Dolphins when the AFC East franchise arrives at Acrisure Stadium in week 15.

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