On more than one occasion, the Steelers emerged as a potential landing spot for Smith in the event no new Dolphins pact could be worked out. Talks on a Miami extension took place, but the 29-year-old’s absence from minicamp was a sign this situation could end in a change of scenery.
After only one year with the Dolphins, Smith is indeed on the move once again. Of course, Monday’s news means he is in store for another reunion with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Jonnu and Arthur Smith worked together with the Titans, and again when they were alongside each other with the Falcons. The latter took on OC duties in Pittsburgh last season, overseeing an offense that used both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at quarterback.
QB1 duties are now held by Aaron Rodgers, who will likely retire after this season. The Steelers are certainly not being shy in terms of notable moves on both sides of the ball in preparation for the coming campaign.
Pittsburgh already has Pat Freiermuth in place at the tight-end spot. The former second-rounder is under contract through 2028, something which made a potential Smith move a somewhat awkward one. Now that it is in place, though, the Steelers can be expected to lean heavily on two-tight-end sets. With uncertainty looming over the team’s WR options aside from DK Metcalf, Smith will give Pittsburgh a veteran pass-catching option.
The former third-rounder posted a stat line of 88-884-8 last season, leading to his first career Pro Bowl nod. Expectations will be high for Smith with his fifth NFL team, given his production and the fact that he will be in a familiar scheme. For the Dolphins, meanwhile, Ramsey’s departure has created a notable vacancy at the CB position; the loss of Smith will likewise leave the team short on experienced tight ends.
The 2025 offseason has seen a major exodus in terms of veterans in Miami through free-agent departures, releases and trades. As the Dolphins look to bounce back from last year’s underwhelming campaign, they will do so with a slew of new faces on both sides of the ball. Smith is now under contract for the next two years. He will look to operate as a complementary option for Rodgers and Co. as Pittsburgh takes a run at a Super Bowl in 2025.
This content was brought to you by: Yardbarker: NFL
