The Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins are linked in Jonnu Smith trade talks, and while nothing is official yet, multiple national reporters seem to believe a deal will materialize sooner rather than later. A third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Smith first made a name for himself with the Tennessee Titans under then-tight ends coach and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Following a disappointing two-year stint with the New England Patriots, the tight end re-established his value with Smith’s Atlanta Falcons before recording 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in his first year with the Miami Dolphins.
As Miami looks to get younger, the team has reportedly discussed a Jonnu Smith trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Steelers have a solid tight end in Pat Freiermuth, they could use another weapon, and a reunion with Arthur Smith could make sense. According to Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer, a trade “makes all the sense in the world.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter, meanwhile, said the Steelers are “back in it” after Donald Parham suffered what is likely a season-ending Achilles injury.
Sources: Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles during today’s OTAs that now is likely to end his 2025 season. A brutal injury. https://t.co/fyipieiizU pic.twitter.com/Mxyxkqh8id
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2025
Steelers, Dolphins Renewing Jonnu Smith Trade Talks After Donald Parham Injury
Whether it’s Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, or Kirk Cousins, the Pittsburgh Steelers passing attack will probably leave something to be desired in 2025. As of this posting, D.K. Metcalf is the only real receiving weapon on the roster, and Pittsburgh doesn’t have the quarterback talent to offset the lack of reliable weaponry. Jonnu Smith is coming off a career season and looking for a new contract, so it’s easy to see why the Steelers would trade for him, especially after the Donald Parham injury.
Parham spent the 2024 season out of football but had a few bright moments in the previous four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. Measuring in at 6′-8″ and 237 pounds, the Stetson product had an intriguing athletic profile with the raw potential to be a decent receiving threat. While that never fully materialized, he still recorded 67 receptions for 764 yards and 11 touchdowns during his first four seasons in the league.
Jonnu Smith is a better player than Parham, and the trade candidate could upgrade that role in the offense. With he probably won’t record a 1,000-yard season, Smith could be the second or third option in an offense that needs all the help it can get.
Main Photo: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
