Miami Dolphins fans will have to get used to the idea of seeing their former players wear different uniforms in 2026, and likely find success doing so. The primary example will likely be wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who after five seasons with the Dolphins was traded to the Denver Broncos in exchange for draft capital.
Waddle, 27, will be entering the prime years of his career in Denver, and will likely have success and feature in big games as he’s joining a team fresh off a run to the AFC Championship. Waddle is not the only candidate to have success after leaving the Dolphins, as Miami moved on from several Pro Bowl-caliber players this offseason.
However, there is also the other end of the spectrum where a player leaves Miami and struggles to replicate the success they had with the Dolphins. Last season, Dolphins fans saw one instance where that played out as a player who thrived with Miami in 2024, left and was subsequently released, only to find himself without a team a week before the 2026 NFL Draft.
Former Miami Dolphins Tight End Jonnu Smith Remains a Free Agent
Prior to the 2024 season, the Miami Dolphins signed tight end Jonnu Smith to a two-year, $8.4 million contract. Smith had largely been a journeyman tight end up to that point, having played for three teams over four years and never having a season with over 500 receiving yards.
That changed with the Dolphins, as former head coach Mike McDaniel utilized his skillset and made him a large part of Miami’s offense. With Miami, Smith set a new career-high in receptions and receiving yards, breaking Dolphins’ franchise records for a tight end in both categories. As a result, Smith made his first career Pro Bowl and was a bright spot on a largely disappointing Dolphins team.
Unfortunately, the good times did not last between Smith and the Dolphins. Heading into the 2025 season, Smith had one year remaining on his contract, but wanted a pay raise after his strong season. When the two sides could not agree to an extension, Smith was included in the Jalen Ramsey trade that brought safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins.
In Pittsburgh, Smith had a disappointing season as he was not made a focal point of the offense and was stuck behind Pat Freiermuth on the team’s depth chart. Smith had his lowest receiving yards since his rookie season and was released by the Steelers after the season.
Jonnu Smith’s Future
Smith is only one season removed from his Pro Bowl year with the Dolphins. Unfortunately for the tight end, there has been no movement in terms of his free agent status. The 30-year-old remains a free agent; however, Bleacher Report recently listed him as a potential bargain signing.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay wrote regarding Smith:
“While Pittsburgh failed to capitalize on the athletic pass-catcher’s unique traits, Smith still has the tools to assume a larger role in another system.
If he signs with a club that emphasizes his versatility and movement skills, Smith could get back to putting up big numbers quickly. The 6’3″, 248-pounder has the size and athleticism to create alignment mismatches and excels at picking up yardage after the catch.
A reunion with Mike McDaniel—his head coach in Miami who is now serving as the Los Angeles Chargers‘ offensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh—could be exactly what Smith needs to have another Pro Bowl-caliber season.”
Unfortunately for Dolphins fans hoping for a reunion with Smith, it seems unlikely that it is possible as Miami re-signed tight end Greg Dulcich to a one-year, $3 million contract.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Former Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl Player Remains an NFL Free Agent appeared first on Heavy Sports.