The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl victory, are poised to bolster their already formidable offense by targeting a blockbuster trade for Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith. With a delicate contract situation brewing in Miami, the Eagles should seize this opportunity to add a proven playmaker to their roster.
Jonnu Smith, absent from the Dolphins’ mandatory minicamp as he pushes for a new contract, is coming off a stellar 2024 season. The 30-year-old tight end recorded a career-high 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, cementing his status as one of the NFL’s premier pass-catching tight ends. Currently in the final year of a two-year, $8.4 million deal signed last offseason, Smith is seeking a well-deserved pay raise, creating an opening for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to work his trade magic.
Roseman, known for his savvy deal-making, could find a willing partner in Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier. The Eagles have already navigated tight end uncertainty this offseason, with Dallas Goedert facing trade rumors and release speculation before agreeing to a restructured contract. However, Goedert’s long-term fit with the team remains unclear, making Smith an enticing upgrade. A durable veteran with a knack for big plays, Smith could seamlessly integrate into Philadelphia’s high-powered offense, giving quarterback Jalen Hurts another dynamic weapon.
The primary obstacle to this dream scenario lies in Miami, where Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has publicly advocated for Smith to stay. Speaking at Miami’s mandatory minicamp, Tagovailoa expressed his admiration for his teammate, saying, “Oh 100 percent, that’s my guy. That’s my dog. Jonnu has done really good for us. I have nothing bad to say about him. I love him as a person, too, outside of football. I think all of our guys that do what they need to do, they should get paid.” Tagovailoa’s endorsement, combined with recent trade discussions between Miami and the Pittsburgh Steelers, suggests the Dolphins may be reluctant to part with their star tight end.
Despite these challenges, the potential reward for Philadelphia is undeniable. Adding Jonnu Smith to an offense already featuring A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley would create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. With Smith’s ability to stretch the field and dominate in the red zone, the Eagles could elevate their attack to unprecedented heights, solidifying their status as NFL frontrunners.
While prying Smith away from Miami may require a hefty trade package and a lucrative new contract, the Eagles have the cap space and draft capital to make it happen. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, this is a move worth exploring. If Roseman can pull off this trade, the Eagles could be one Jonnu Smith away from dominating the NFL.