Just over a week after being dealt in a surprising trade, Jonnu Smith might still be feeling the sting.
The 29-year-old tight end was sent packing from the Miami Dolphins to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a blockbuster move that also involved cornerback Jalen Ramsey and a 2027 seventh-round pick. In return, Miami received safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2025 fifth-round selection. But despite coming off a career-best season—88 catches, 884 yards, and 8 touchdowns—Smith now finds himself heading into his fifth team in six years.
Still, Smith isn’t looking back with regret. In fact, during a recent heart-to-heart with newly retired Dolphins lineman Terron Armstead, Smith opened up about his departure—and why he’s embracing his fresh start in Pittsburgh.
“I’m in a situation where I’m appreciated,” Smith told Armstead. “You always want to be where you’re most valued and appreciated, and that’s the situation that I found myself in with Pittsburgh.”
That sense of value isn’t one-sided. The Steelers had their sights set on Smith for weeks, and even after the draft came and went, they circled back to get the deal done. It’s no secret—Pittsburgh wanted Smith, badly.
But while Smith has come to terms with Miami’s decision—especially as the Dolphins shift gears with former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller making an NFL comeback—he admits he didn’t expect things to unfold the way they did.
“We started this conversation in January with Miami and giving me the run-around, ‘We’ll get back to it,’” Smith said. “Obviously, they had some things they had to address, and I understand that. I was patient with them throughout the whole process, and eventually it came to a point in time where they told me that they just can’t do it and they weren’t economically in a position to pay me like a Pro Bowl tight end.”
Smith was hoping his breakout season would cement his future in Miami, especially given his deep roots there.
“I didn’t foresee this happening with how the season went for me individually,” he admitted. “I had aspirations of ending my career in Miami, with it being home for me, my children, my family. But I understand the business side of it, and it didn’t work out.” Now, with a clean slate in Pittsburgh, Smith is poised to be a key piece in the Steelers’ retooled offense, which now includes big names like star receiver DK Metcalf, reliable tight end Pat Freiermuth, and the legendary four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Smith’s Miami chapter may be closed, but in Pittsburgh, it looks like he’s finally found a place that truly “appreciates” him.
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