​Jonnu Smith seemed to be moving in the right direction, with his career climbing steadily and a standout season with the Miami Dolphins in which he flourished. Yet that momentum halted when he was traded immediately afterward as the team prioritized defensive help. Since then, his season with the Pittsburgh Steelers has done him no favors. After one of the weaker years of his career, the former third-round pick remains unsigned, lingering in NFL free agency.
Drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2017, Smith began slowly but soon grew into a more efficient contributor, approaching 500 receiving yards in consecutive seasons. A free-agent move to the New England Patriots, however, marked a notable regression, as he failed to surpass 300 yards during his two-year stint there. A subsequent trade to the Atlanta Falcons demonstrated that the veteran still possessed quality play, and with 582 receiving yards, he caught the eye of the Dolphins. They signed him to a two-year, $8.4 million deal, and he immediately justified the faith, delivering a spectacular season with 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Yet that surge was followed by a shift to the Steelers that coincided with a downturn. With Aaron Rodgers no longer in his prime, Smith found opportunities scarce, culminating in a season with fewer than 300 receiving yards. Despite that down year, he remains a player of high caliber. Just a year after ranking third on PFSN’s TE Impact Metric, his talent level is evident, and he could be the ideal threat for many teams in need of a tight end.
If you were running a team, this is the kind of veteran asset you’d consider adding. PFN’s free NFL Mock Draft Simulator can help you gauge scenarios for your favorite squad. Under head coach Sean Payton, the Denver Broncos have already demonstrated a willingness to bring in veteran tight end help to support quarterback Bo Nix. Last year, Evan Engram joined the team, but he didn’t solve all of their problems. Smith could provide the stability and experience that the offense needs, especially in a system that emphasizes a balanced attack. He has shown his value in the right scheme, and the Broncos could benefit from a veteran presence who can bolster the depth and provide a reliable target as they search for cohesion.
Another team that could benefit from a veteran option at tight end is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, following the offseason transition that saw franchise icon Mike Evans depart. With Baker Mayfield potentially in limbo as his contract status remains unsettled beyond this year, the Buccaneers will be looking to shore up their offense. While they do have capable wide receivers, their tight end room is relatively thin. Cade Otton has shown promise, but his contribution has been inconsistent at times. A veteran presence like Smith could serve as a one-year rental who provides steady production and veteran leadership, potentially stabilizing the offense as the team retools around a new quarterback and a reimagined receiving corps.
In summary, Smith’s career trajectory has shown brief moments of elite production that signal his continued potential, even if recent seasons have been uneven. For teams in need of a reliable, versatile tight end who can contribute immediately in the right system, Smith remains a compelling option. As free agency and offseason moves continue to reshape rosters across the league, he could emerge as a valuable asset for organizations seeking depth, experience, and a proven ability to contribute in multiple offensive sets.