Jonnu Smith makes pointed comment after Steelers trade: 'Go where I am appreciated'

As the Pittsburgh Steelers weighed their options for another playmaker opposite DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith’s future with the Miami Dolphins became murky. He put together a breakout 2024 season and was in search of a new contract, although the Dolphins looked at possible trade options.

Ultimately, Smith reunited with Arthur Smith after Miami sent him to the Steelers. As he looked back on the process, he pointed out the need to make sure he was at a place he’s “appreciated.”

Smith was looking to a pay bump after making the Pro Bowl a year ago and said the situation simply didn’t work out in Miami. That led to the trade, and he said the Steelers fit what he was looking for – and the franchise saw something in him.

“Eventually, it came a point and time when they told me that they just can’t do it,” Smith told Terron Armstead on his podcast. “It wasn’t economically able to put me in a position to be paid like a Pro Bowl tight end. That one stung.

“We tried to figure it out and we just couldn’t. … I had to make the decision to say, ‘Man, well, I’ve got to go where I am appreciated and viewed on paper, economically, contract-wise as a top guy in this league, which I know I am. And Pittsburgh was the team that saw me as that.”

Smith totaled 88 receptions 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last year – setting Miami franchise records for a tight end in each category. He and Smith previously worked together with the Tennessee Titans and in Atlanta with the Falcons, where he set his previous career-highs with 50 receptions for 582 yards, along with three touchdowns.

As trade talks between Pittsburgh and Miami progressed, Jonnu Smith was part of a blockbuster trade that came down earlier this week. He headed to the Steelers along with Jalen Ramsey and a 2027 seventh-round pick, while Pittsburgh sent Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

After the trade, Smith also got the new contract he was seeking. The Steelers are giving him a one-year deal worth $12 million as they added the playmaker they wanted opposite Metcalf, who came over from the Seattle Seahawks and also inked a fresh new contract. They will play key roles in an offense that, at long last, has Aaron Rodgers at quarterback for what he thinks is likely his final season.