Smith continues to lobby for a new deal after a breakout 2024 campaign that saw the veteran reel in 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. While both Smith and the Dolphins want to work out a long-term deal, the Steelers have expressed sustain interest in Smith. Steelers OC Arthur Smith has a long history with Smith that dates back to their days together in Tennessee. Smith, 30, is set to make $4.7 million in 2025. He’s a candidate to hold out during training camp if he doesn’t get a contract extension from Miami.

Wolfe said “both sides” want to keep Smith in Miami for the long run. The report comes amid various reports that the Steelers could acquire Smith after his breakout 2024 season with the Dolphins. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on Tuesday that the Steelers have had “renewed conversations” about trading for Smith, who’s set to make $4.1 million this season. Smith in 2024 ranked fourth among all tight ends in both targets and receptions. He was ninth in yards after the catch per reception. His fantasy prospects would plummet if he ends up in Arthur Smith’s conservative, run-heavy offense.

Schefter adds that the deal is “still alive.” The malaise of will-he, won’t-he, but focused on Jonnu Smith instead of Aaron Rodgers must be an interesting respite for Steelers fans. We remain unsure that adding Smith will do much to fix Pittsburgh’s offense, and it seems like Darnell Washington is a more-than-capable No. 2 tight end. Because of the extension that Smith is seeking, it’s reasonable to conclude the draft-pick cost for him wouldn’t be exorbitant. We’re not entirely sure why the Dolphins would rather do this than just keep Smith and let him be a low-end fantasy TE1 this season, but perhaps they want to get out of the Jonnu Smtih game while the getting is good.

This report comes a day after Smith’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said his client would “definitely like to stay in Miami” in 2025 following his breakout 2024 season. Recent reports linked the Steelers to Smith, a move that would reunite Pittsburgh OC Arthur Smith with Smith after their time together in Atlanta. Smith remaining in Miami would be the best case scenario for his fantasy prospects; he would barely be on the fantasy radar in the Steelers’ stale, unproductive, run-heavy offense. Smith in 2024 ranked fourth among all tight ends in both targets and receptions. He was ninth in yards after the catch per reception. Smith should be a top-10 tight end in the Dolphins offense if he stays put.