A part of the Jalen Ramsey–Minkah Fitzpatrick blockbuster will see the Dolphins and Steelers comply with one other swap. Tight end Jonnu Smith is headed to Pittsburgh.
With the dust having settled on all portions of this singular trade, listed below are the total details (courtesy of NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport):
Steelers receive:
- Ramsey
- Smith
- 2027 seventh-round pick
Dolphins receive:
- Fitzpatrick
- 2027 fifth-round pick
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Smith will receive a one-year, $12MM extension upon arrival in Pittsburgh, allowing him to earn a raise as hoped. Funds were a sticking point between he and the Dolphins. Smith preferred to stay in Miami, but after having fun with a profession 12 months and setting a brand new franchise record for tight end production he aimed to parlay his play right into a recent pact.
On a couple of occasion, the Steelers emerged as a possible landing spot for Smith within the event no recent Dolphins pact might be worked out. Talks on a Miami extension took place, however the 29-year-old’s absence from minicamp was an indication this case could end in a change of scenery. After just one 12 months with the Dolphins, Smith is indeed on the move once more. After all, today’s recent means he’s in store for an additional reunion with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Jonnu and Arthur Smith worked along with the Titans and again once they were alongside one another with the Falcons. The latter took on OC duties in Pittsburgh last season, overseeing an offense which used each Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at quarterback. QB1 duties are actually held by Aaron Rodgers, who will likely retire after this season. The Steelers are actually not being shy when it comes to notable moves on either side of the ball in preparation for the approaching campaign.
Pittsburgh already has Pat Freiermuth in place on the tight end spot. The previous second-rounder is under contract through 2028, something which made a possible Smith move a somewhat awkward one. Now that it’s in place, though, the Steelers might be expected to lean heavily on two-tight end sets. With uncertainly looming over the team’s WR options other than D.K. Metcalf, Smith will given Pittsburgh a veteran pass-catching option.
More to come back…