Smythe failed to secure his lone target during Miami's 32-20 loss to the Jets on Sunday. Smythe's production totals declined notably due to the ascension of tight end Jonnu Smith in 2024, but to see him finish with just nine catches for 57 yards (on 17 targets) while suiting up for all 17 regular-season games was a more significant step back than anticipated. Though Smythe has one year remaining on his contract, the Dolphins have a potential 'out' this offseason for only $2.7 million in dead cap, a route that the team could realistically opt to take.
Smythe secured his only target for eight yards during Thursday's 31-10 loss to the Bills. Smythe played 43 percent of offensive snaps Thursday, forming a rotation at the tight end position with Julian Hill and Jonnu Smith. It was Smith who led the position in receiving, securing six of seven targets for 53 yards, though he tied Smythe at 43 percent of the offensive snaps. With Skylar Thompson likely to start Week 3 against the Seahawks, and as long as Tua Tagovailoa remains in the concussion protocol, Miami's passing game seems set to decline until further notice.
Smythe failed to secure any of his three targets during Sunday's 20-17 win over Jacksonville. Smythe interestingly drew one more target than offseason addition Jonnu Smith, though the latter TE was able to secure one of those looks for seven yards. Though Smythe is the better blocker and Smith the better pass catcher, Miami seems willing to deploy both tight ends relatively interchangeably. Smythe, though, notably lacks the YAC abilities that Smith has previously demonstrated, so he'll warrant fantasy consideration only in the deepest of formats Week 2 versus Buffalo on Thursday Night Football.
Smythe restructured his contract with the Dolphins on Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Smythe is one of a number of Miami players to agree to restructured contracts ahead of the start of the new league year, freeing up some much-needed cap space for the team. As the Dolphins' top tight end last season, Smythe remained a plus blocker but finished with just a 35-366-0 receiving line, leading to the team's decision to bring in Jonnu Smith, a superior pass catcher with real YAC ability. That signing could spell the end of Smythe's brief run as a tight end with low-end fantasy appeal, though he and Smith do seem likely for a true split of offensive snaps. With Atlanta last season, Smith managed a 50-582-3 receiving line while competing with Kyle Pitts.
Smythe has logged three consecutive games with three targets in each, but he's totaled just 55 receiving yards in that span. The starting tight end remains effectively off the fantasy radar except in deeper formats. The Dolphins will take on the Commanders on the road Week 13.
Smythe -- who was inactive for the Dolphins' Week 11 win over the Raiders -- approached the game listed as questionable, but he'll be available Friday along with fellow tight ends Julian Hill and Tyler Kroft. In nine games to date, Smythe has caught 17 of his 22 targets for 168 yards, numbers that restrict his fantasy lineup utility to deeper formats.
Smythe was deemed limited on Thursday's practice estimate, and his status for Friday's contest remains uncertain. If he's limited or out versus the Jets, added Week 12 snaps would be available for fellow TEs Julian Hill and Tyler Kroft. Through nine games this season, Smythe has hauled in 17 of his 22 targets for 168 yards, a rate of production that limits his fantasy utility to deeper formats.
Smythe played through the ankle issue in Week 9's Germany game against the Chiefs and had the bye to rest up further. He missed practice Wednesday, but Thursday's return puts him on track to face the Raiders Sunday. Smythe has been a virtual non-factor in the passing game, catching 17 passes for 168 scoreless yards on 22 targets.
Smythe didn't practice Wednesday, but the tight end's return to the field Thursday is a good sign regarding his status for Sunday's game against the Raiders. The Dolphins' upcoming injury report will clarify whether Smythe practiced fully or in a limited fashion.