Dolphins Shopping Jonnu Smith: Could Patriots or Ravens Land the Veteran Tight End?

By Jason Bolton June 19, 2025 09:38

The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads with veteran tight end Jonnu Smith as contract negotiations remain unresolved and trade rumors swirl. After a career-best 2024 season that earned Smith his first Pro Bowl nod, the Dolphins are reportedly open to exploring trade options, with the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens emerging as potential suitors. But what’s fueling the uncertainty, and could Smith’s next destination be a surprise fit?

Smith, 29, shattered franchise records last year for receptions (88), receiving yards (884), and touchdowns (8) by a Dolphins tight end, becoming a key weapon in head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense. His breakout season coincided with a two-year, $8.4 million contract signed in 2024, with a $4.8 million salary scheduled for 2025. Despite this modest deal, Smith believes his production warrants a significant raise and longer-term security.

Negotiations between Smith’s camp, led by agent Drew Rosenhaus, and the Dolphins have been described as “still fluid” with “nothing resolved yet,” according to Rosenhaus in recent interviews. Smith notably skipped Miami’s mandatory minicamp, signaling frustration and a desire for clarity before training camp. “Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami,” Rosenhaus emphasized, but the gap between Smith’s expectations and Miami’s offer appears substantial.

The Dolphins’ front office faces a dilemma. While coaches and players, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, have publicly voiced strong support for Smith with Tagovailoa stating, “They should 100% pay Jonnu” the team’s salary cap situation and long-term roster plans complicate matters. Miami has enough cap space to double Smith’s current average annual value but balks at committing to a multi-year deal that would make him a top-10 paid tight end.

This impasse has opened the door for trade discussions. The New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens have surfaced as logical destinations. The Patriots, known for valuing versatile tight ends, could use Smith’s blocking and receiving skills to complement their offense. Meanwhile, the Ravens, who have historically prioritized dynamic tight ends in their run-heavy scheme, might view Smith as a valuable upgrade.

Another team reportedly interested is the Pittsburgh Steelers, where offensive coordinator Arthur Smith previously coached Jonnu in Atlanta and Tennessee. However, the Steelers’ tight end depth and salary cap constraints make a trade less likely there.

Smith’s value as a reliable, multi-faceted tight end is clear. His 2024 campaign ranked him fourth among NFL tight ends in receiving yards, and his ability to stretch the field adds a crucial dimension to Miami’s offense. Yet, his age and previous seasons’ modest production raise questions about long-term investment.

If a trade materializes, Miami would lose a key offensive piece, forcing adjustments in their tight end rotation and offensive schemes. Conversely, acquiring teams would gain a proven contributor capable of impacting both the passing and running game.

In summary, Jonnu Smith’s future with the Miami Dolphins remains uncertain as contract talks stall and trade rumors intensify. While Smith prefers to stay, the financial and strategic realities may push Miami to explore offers, with the Patriots and Ravens among the most plausible landing spots. As training camp nears, a resolution whether a new deal or a trade appears imminent.