The Miami Dolphins added an unexpected twist to their offseason by sending tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers and immediately bringing in Darren Waller as his replacement. This Jonnu Smith Dolphins trade analysis focuses on the bold decision by Miami, which has raised eyebrows around the league, especially since Waller is coming out of a year-long retirement to join the roster for the 2025 NFL season.
Waller’s return to action came as a particular surprise, given his announcement earlier in June 2024 declaring his retirement and his absence during the entire 2024 NFL season. Despite the risks, Miami has signed Waller to a one-year, incentive-heavy contract, making the deal financially low-risk but with plenty at stake for their offense going forward.
Cam Jordan Shares His Concerns Over the Move
Cameron Jordan, entering his fifteenth season with the New Orleans Saints, did not hold back his opinion after the trade. Smith was coming off his best professional season, recording 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns with the Dolphins—a career year for the 29-year-old tight end. Jordan expressed skepticism about Miami’s ability to replace that kind of production.
“One out, one in huh? I mean, I don’t think you can replace a young gun like Jonnu Smith,”
Jordan said on Nightcap. —Cam Jordan, Pass Rusher
While Jordan had 34 tackles and four sacks last year for the Saints, his comments highlight how highly respected Smith became during his tenure in Miami. The sudden departure has generated questions about whether the Dolphins’ new acquisition can fill the gap left by Smith’s performance.
Understanding Darren Waller’s Retirement and Comeback
Darren Waller officially retired from pro football on June 9, 2024. He recently revealed the reason behind his retirement, describing the mental challenges that led him to step away from the sport before his move to the Dolphins.
“It was in the first quarter of the game,”
Waller said, via SI.
“We were running like this counter-lead running play, and I’m kind of like leading through the hole like I’m a fullback. And the play is working, but I sit down on the sideline after a drive where we ran it three times and I’m like, ‘What the f— am I doing with my life? I’m out here playing fullback. I don’t even want to do this s— anymore.’”
—Darren Waller, Tight End
Despite injuries limiting his 2023 statistics to 52 receptions, 552 yards, and a single touchdown, Waller has now been positioned as Miami’s top tight end. With fellow pass catchers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the offense, expectations are high, and the focus will be on Waller to help maintain the team‘s aerial threat.
The Dolphins will see Waller’s anticipated return as they open their NFL season on September 7th against the Indianapolis Colts, marking a new chapter both for Waller and the team after a significant trade shuffle.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where did Jonnu Smith go?
A. The Steelers made a deal to get cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. In return, they gave up safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and traded some draft picks for 2027.
Q. Is Jonnu Smith a good blocker?
A. The Titans chose him in the third round of the 2017 draft after he played at Florida International. He comes from Philadelphia.
He is an athletic tight end who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 248 pounds. His quickness helps him block well, especially in zone blocking plans.
Defenses often have a hard time matching up against him because of his skills and athletic ability.