Ex-Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith shares real reason he landed with Steelers

Miami Herald

2 days ago

Jonnu Smith shared one of the main reasons behind Monday's blockbuster trade that landed the former Miami Dolphins tight end with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
'I'm in a situation where I'm appreciated,' Smith said on The Terron Armstead Podcast Wednesday evening, later adding that 'you're always going to go where you're most valued and appreciated.'
Smith commented that the trade was somewhat of a surprise and even 'stung' a little bit considering his historic 2024 season. In just one year, the 29-year-old rewrote the Dolphins franchise history books at the tight end position. Specifically, he set new records for catches (88), receiving yards (884) and touchdowns (eight).
'I felt like I was in a position and once of the key ingredients to helping this team succeed and after the season ended, me and my agent, we like 'This a no brainer. We gone be here forever,'' Smith continued. The Pro Bowler even said that he began to look for a bigger house once the season ended.
'It's a lot of things positive that were working for me individually after the season for me to be in Miami long term — like even life after football,' Smith addeed.
The conversation about his compensation, according to Smith, began as soon as the season ended in January. Originally supposed to be paid around $4.8 million in 2025, the newly minted Pro Bowler wanted to be compensated like one of the top tight ends. And as one of the 'character guys' in the locker room, a necessity as the Dolphins attempted to change the culture after issues in 2024, Smith simply thought the deal would get hammered out.
'Eventually it came a point and time when they told me they can't do it,' Smith said.
To be clear: a source confirmed that Smith's trade had nothing to do with the team's attempts to institute a better culture. He, in fact, was one of the core guys that . It honestly just came down to money as the Steelers were able to give him a one-year deal worth roughly $12 million.
'I had to make the decision to go where I'm appreciated and viewed on paper, economically, contract-wise as a top guy in this league which I know I am,' Smith said. 'Pittsburgh was the team that saw me as that.'
Added Smith: 'Going through that process, I was hurt. I didn't think that collectively — as an organization, players, coaches — that [they believed] trading Jonnu Smith is where our success starts.'
The conversation took place during the first episode of The Terron Armstead Podcast, a new show helmed by the recently retired five-time Pro Bowl tackle. Armstead described the podcast as 'different from any other sports show' as he attempts to give fans an intimate look at how these huge trades affect the individuals involved.
'I want to create a platform where we can have this type of dialogue to where we really can get a chance to hear and know the behind-the-scenes of trade talk,' Armstead said.
The Steelers' move to acquire Smith, however, puts a lot of eyeballs on Pittsburgh as they seemingly will go all in on newly acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers and co. Other additions to the Steelers include receiver D.K Metcalf, cornerback Darius Slay and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was part of the Smith trade that also sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami.
How these moves play out will make the Steelers an intriguing team in 2025. Luckily, the Dolphins will have a front row seat come Week 15 as they travel to Pittsburgh for what will likely be a rather frigid, Monday Night Football matchup.