4 ways the Miami Dolphins can replace TE Jonnu Smith following Jalen Ramsey-Minkah Fitzpatrick trade with Pittsburgh Steelers
The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers just started 4th of July fireworks a bit early. To close out June, the two AFC squads made a trade that sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the Dolphins, while CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith joined the Steelers. Late-round draft compensation was also involved. For Miami, it […]
The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers just started 4th of July fireworks a bit early. To close out June, the two AFC squads made a trade that sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the Dolphins, while CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith joined the Steelers. Late-round draft compensation was also involved.
For Miami, it was a move that seemed to be looming for quite some time. Both Ramsey and Smith had trade reports surrounding them this offseason, and the front office and coaching staff finally decided what they felt made sense for the team.
4 options to replace TE Jonnu Smith
The amenities and explorations are endless in the NFL. With a productive pass catcher out the door following Miami's blockbuster trade with Pittsburgh, where can they now turn at the tight end position?
Sign a notable free agent TE
This option is barren. Fans probably won't be happy if this is the route chosen by Miami.
At this point of the offseason, there is very little proven production and experience on the FA market, especially at tight end. For the Dolphins, their top options may be veteran Gerald Everett or Hayden Hurst – along with a younger contender in Peyton Hendershot.
Trade for Falcons TE Kyle Pitts
Pitts is a name who has been popular among insider reports surrounding a possible move. He's an ultra-talented athlete for the TE position, but his numbers and effort haven't matched his expectations entering the league. Once an early first-round pick, Pitts could wear a uniform that doesn't include red in 2025.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz has reported this afternoon that the Falcons are reportedly keen on keeping Pitts, who is due to make $10.8 million this year in the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. But, per Schultz, “it would take at least a Day 2 pick to even spark serious talks.” — Kyle Crabbs
Trust their current depth chart
Talk about angering your fan base. Losing Smith, who was the offense's most consistent player a season ago, only to not truly replace him would be a tough look for Miami.
They added rookie Jalin Conyers to the mix, as well as veteran Pharaoh Brown. That being said, neither of those players should be your starting tight end if you're attempting to get your offensive unit back on track. An addition must be made, so this choice is one that Miami simply must avoid.
Trade for Ravens TE Mark Andrews
Andrews is probably the safest option here. He is still playing good football, even if his postseason gaff from last season still lives in the minds of Ravens fans. Not to mention, they've got Isaiah Likely waiting in the wings.
The compensation to get a deal done for Andrews may not be quite as hefty as a Pitts trade, either. The Dolphins would be adding a tight end entering the last year of his deal and approaching 29 years old.
Overall, the Dolphins do not lack ways to navigate their new lack of depth or upside at the TE position. They've already started discussions to replace Smith, and we could see a move happen sooner than later for Miami.
Steelers GM Omar Khan just bet his career on Jalen Ramsey after trading star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins
It’s all or nothing this season.
