Jonnu Smith trade grades: Who won the Steelers and Dolphins deal?
First, Pittsburgh and Miami exchanged All-Pro-caliber defensive backs when Jalen Ramsey was sent off to the Steel City, while star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick officially made his return to Miami, the city he spent his rookie NFL season in. It's a fascinating deal, but it's the one we're here to talk about.
Because in another trade stacked on top of that one, the Steelers acquired 2024 Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. For the Dolphins, they avoid paying (or extending) Smith. From a football fit, it's an intriguing reunion for Smith and his former Falcons coach, Arthur Smith, who now coordinates the Steelers offense.
Let's unpack this weird deal and see where the Steelers and Dolphins now stand.
Trade details
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter:
Pittsburgh Steelers
This kinda feels like ... a steal for the Steelers?
I'm aware Smith is coming off a career season at the age of 29. He isn't guaranteed to replicate Pro Bowl-level production in any shape or form. However, sending him to Pittsburgh means he's going to work with Arthur Smith again, someone who coached him both in Atlanta and Tennessee. If there's anyone who understands how to make Jonny Smith a consistent focal point of an offense, it's Arthur Smith. And while he's pretty long in the tooth, Aaron Rodgers has always enjoyed utilizing a tight end up the seam as a pass target. The fit makes sense.
Getting Smith for the princely sum of a draft pick swap and a short extension is a smart but underrated move for Pittsburgh.
Grade: B+
Miami Dolphins
Uh ... sure?
In a make-or-break season for Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel, I don't think the Dolphins are in a position to be trading away reliable weapons. Tyreek Hill is clearly on the decline, Jaylen Waddle is a little overrated, and Smith was one of the few constants Miami could actually count on last year. As long as they kept feeding him the ball, it's not like his production was going to fall off a cliff. But it never seemed like the Dolphins were all that keen on keeping Smith long term. You see it in them barely acquiring any notable assets while trading him.
I'm not sure how this makes Miami better other than saving a paltry sum of money for a good tight end. It's not like the Dolphins have a solid replacement plan. Alas, now the Dolphins can move on. I guess.
Grade: C
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