Jalen Ramsey is not the only Dolphins star at the center of trade rumors. Right now, Jonnu Smith's future with Miami is also uncertain due to ongoing trade talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Despite the tight end expressing his public desire to remain with the team, the financial requirements and previous relationships with Pittsburgh's offensive coaches have prevented trading rumors from dying down.

Jonnu Smith Sets Dolphins Tight End Records in 2024

NFL Trade Rumors: Steelers Eye Jonnu Smith Trade as Dolphins NFL Trade Rumors: Steelers Eye Jonnu Smith Trade as Dolphins
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Entering a career-high season, Jonnu Smith has established himself as one of the most prolific tight ends in the league. In 2024, he recorded franchise single season bests for a Dolphins tight end with 88 catches, 884 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. Three tight ends only played more yardage than him, including Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and George Kittle, according to CBS Sports.

Smith's outstanding play put him on the Pro Bowl roster and raised his profile league-wide. It also put some negotiating muscle in his back, and now he's asking for a raise above the $4.8 million he'll make in 2025.

Dolphins Caught Between Loyalty and Salary Cap Pressure

Jonnu Smith's representative, Drew Rosenhaus, indicated that the tight end prefers to remain with the Miami team.

"This is where he lives in the offseason. He had a record-breaking season last year. It was the best season ever for a Miami Dolphin tight end. ... He broke the team record for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns for a tight end and was the team's single Pro Bowl player. He's an incredibly valuable part of this team. ... He went to college at FIU. His dream team is the Dolphins," Rosenhaus told the Miami Herald.

Yet, as contract talks languish and Smith demands a new contract, the Dolphins are said to be seeking alternatives. Though Miami at first appeared unwilling to deal with him, ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news this week that negotiations with Pittsburgh remain ongoing.

Steelers Keen on Reuniting Smith with OC Arthur Smith

One of the primary drivers of interest for the Steelers is offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who coached Jonnu Smith in the past when they were both with the Titans and Falcons. Their existing relationship might provide Pittsburgh with the assurance of acclimating the tight end to their system rapidly.

The Steelers are also eager to get some firepower on their offense. Having traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh is bare at the receiver position and might use a productive tight end in Smith, who provides both blocking and receiving potential.

Steelers Also Targeting Gabe Davis to Strengthen Receiving Corps

Aside from targeting Smith, the Steelers are bringing free-agent wide receiver Gabe Davis in for a visit.

The Jacksonville Jaguars cut Davis after just one injury-marred season, where he accumulated only 239 yards and two scores. Nevertheless, Davis's 2021 postseason heroics with the Buffalo Bills still linger in the heads of NFL fans, especially his 201-yard, four-score game against the Kansas City Chiefs.