Over the past few offseasons, the Miami Dolphins have parted ways with a large number of talented veterans.
Prior to this offseason, whenever Miami cut ties with a player it was usually because the team could no longer afford them or because they became discontent and would later get traded for another asset.
The latter was the case for a player who produced the best season of his career with the Dolphins, but became discontent because Miami did not want to give him an extension and pay raise after his performance. That led to him being traded, where after one season he was released. Now, with the 2026 NFL regular season less than a month away, he remains without a team; however, an NFL analyst has named the Detroit Lions as a potential destination for the former Dolphins player.
Former Dolphins Pro Bowl Player Tabbed to Join Lions
After setting a new career-high in receiving yards and matching his touchdown high, Jonnu Smith earned his first Pro Bowl selection in the 2024 season. As the season went along, Smith became a focal point for a Dolphins offense that struggled to run the ball and generate explosive pass plays.
As previously mentioned, Smith became discontent, and was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers alongside Jalen Ramsey in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick. While Smith did receive a pay raise with the Steelers, his production declined drastically and resulted in his release this offseason.
Now, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has listed the Detroit Lions as a potential landing spot for the former Miami tight end. Knox wrote: “While the 31-year-old is unlikely to replicate his 2024 production (884 yards, 8 TDs), he’d be a terrific insurance policy for a pass-heavy team with injury concerns at the tight end position.
The Lions could use a pass-catching move tight end behind Sam LaPorta, who is dealing with a hip injury. According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, LaPorta’s status for Week 1 is unclear.”
Potential Dolphins Reunion
Another option that Knox did not include was a reunion with the Miami Dolphins. Smith’s 2024 season was likely not an accurate reflection of his ability as a tight end, as he was a large beneficiary of Mike McDaniel’s quick passing game which schemed him open plus a large number of screen passes thrown his way. However, Smith is still a talented tight end, particularly after the catch.
On a Dolphins team that appears to lack receiving options entering the season, Smith may provide a boost to the personnel around quarterback Malik Willis.
Additionally, Miami sportscaster Josh Moser reported that former Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith is interested in returning to the team as he said, “Jonnu Smith wants to come back. [Dolphins] ain’t there on the money yet… he’s here, he’s home. But he also wants to compete.”
The Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly recently discussed the idea of bringing back Jonnu Smith to the Dolphins while on an appearance on The Dolphins Collective. Kelly said, “It can make a big difference to this offense. Unless Jonnu has aged drastically within the last year and his body has broken down, he’s better than all these guys at camp.”
Lions Tabbed to Sign Ex-Dolphins Pro Bowl Player