Jonnu Smith Reveals Real Reason He Was Traded To Steelers, Throws Shade at Dolphins

The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off an uncharacteristic move this week. 

The team negotiated a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins in which the Steelers received cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a late-round pick. The Dolphins, meanwhile, received defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and a mid-round pick.

Smith was set to be a free agent after the 2025 season, but the tight end agreed to a one-year deal worth around $12 million with the Steelers to keep him locked up until 2027. 

You don't see player-for-player trades often in the NFL, especially not with players that are at the top of their game. The deal wasn't completely out of left field, though, as Ramsey and Smith had frequently been rumored as trade candidates.

After the trade, Smith appeared on "The Terron Armstead Podcast" to discuss the deal, and the tight end provided some interesting insight. 

Smith mentioned that he feels "appreciated" and "valued" by Pittsburgh.

“I’m in a situation where I’m appreciated,” Smith said on the podcast Wednesday evening, later adding that “you’re always going to go where you’re most valued and appreciated.”

Smith also mentioned that the trade "stung," especially after his breakout season in 2024 in which he made his first Pro Bowl. The tight end had hoped to work out an extension with the Dolphins this offseason, but nothing came to fruition.

“I felt like I was in a position and one 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're gonna be here forever,’” Smith said. “Eventually it came a point and time when they told me they can’t do it."

In 2024, Smith set new career-highs in receptions and receiving yards with 88 and 884, respectively. The tight end also scored eight receiving touchdowns, which tied his career-best mark. 

“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.”

In Pittsburgh, Smith joins DK Metcalf and Robert Woods as the newcomers in a revamped pass-catcher group. The trio joins holdovers from last year like Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Pat Freiermuth. 

The blockbuster trade also reunites Smith with Arthur Smith. Arthur is the offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, and he worked with Jonnu both in Atlanta and Tennessee. That familiarity should ensure that Jonnu has another big season in 2025.