Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly “renewed” trade talks with the Miami Dolphins for Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, in a dramatic twist to what has been an on-again, off-again pursuit. The development comes just hours after reports surfaced that the Steelers were unlikely to acquire Smith and were instead focusing on other receiving options.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, discussions between the two teams have reignited on Tuesday, and a potential deal remains “still alive.” This marks a significant shift from earlier in the week when it seemed the Steelers’ interest in Smith had cooled.
The renewed push for Smith makes even more sense given recent injury news for the Steelers. Tight end Donald Parham Jr. reportedly suffered a torn Achilles during OTAs on Tuesday, an injury that is likely to sideline him for the entire 2025 season. This sudden void in the tight end room further highlights Pittsburgh’s need for proven talent at the position.
Back in it: the Steelers renewed conversations today with Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith, who is seeking a new contract. The trade between the Steelers and Dolphins is still alive, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2025
Smith, who will turn 30 in August, is coming off a career year with the Dolphins in 2024, where he set franchise records for a tight end with 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. His impressive performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. However, Smith is reportedly seeking a new contract, which is a key factor in Miami’s willingness to entertain trade offers. He is currently in the final year of a two-year, $8.4 million deal.
The Steelers’ interest in Smith is strongly linked to their new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, who has a long-standing relationship with the tight end. Arthur Smith coached Jonnu Smith during their time together with the Tennessee Titans and also brought him to the Atlanta Falcons. This familiarity with the offensive scheme and the player’s capabilities makes him a natural fit for Pittsburgh.
While the Steelers already have Pat Freiermuth as a primary tight end, adding Jonnu Smith would provide a dynamic and versatile weapon, allowing Arthur Smith to utilize more two-tight end sets, a staple of his past offenses. This could be particularly beneficial as the Steelers continue to build around their quarterback situation.
The back-and-forth nature of these trade talks suggests a complex negotiation, likely influenced by Smith’s desire for a new deal and the Dolphins’ willingness to move on if the contract demands are too high. Regardless, the renewed discussions indicate the Steelers are serious about bolstering their offensive arsenal and capitalizing on Smith’s Pro Bowl caliber talent.