{"id":52659,"date":"2025-06-01T07:57:41","date_gmt":"2025-06-01T07:57:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=52659"},"modified":"2025-06-01T07:57:41","modified_gmt":"2025-06-01T07:57:41","slug":"options-to-replace-jonnu-if-miami-trades-him","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=52659","title":{"rendered":"Options to Replace Jonnu IF Miami Trades Him"},"content":{"rendered":"

With rumors swirling that the Dolphins are going to trade tight end\u00a0J<\/a>onnu Smith\u00a0in the coming days and weeks, the question remains: How will the Dolphins replace him?<\/p>\n

Jonnu had 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The Dolphins just can\u2019t say, nah, we don\u2019t need that. We will be fine without a threat in the passing game at the tight end position.<\/p>\n

We have heard for years, well, since Mike McDaniel arrived in Miami, that in his style of offense in year 3, the tight end becomes a big factor and will play a larger role. Last year was year 3, and we saw that firsthand.<\/p>\n

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So, to now trade away a weapon like Smith and have no plan to replace him is head scratching.<\/p>\n

Miami also lost backup tight end\u00a0Durham Smythe\u00a0in free agency, and the only player they signed at this position in free agency is\u00a0Pharaoh Brown, who is primarily a run blocker and not a threat in the least bit in the passing game. Since 2022, Brown has had 12, 13, and 7 receptions, respectively, in each season.<\/p>\n

Julian Hill,\u00a0Tanner Conner, and Hayden Rucci are not legitimate starting tight ends in this league at this time, nor are they a threat in the passing game.<\/p>\n

The Dolphins must do something to acquire another tight end. There is no debate about that.<\/p>\n

Looking at unsigned free agents at this position who are still available, unless you want to bring back\u00a0Jody Fortson, the market is bone dry.<\/p>\n

So, Miami must make another trade to help replace some of the production they are losing with Jonnu.<\/p>\n

One name being floated is by former long-time Miami Dolphins reporter, Armando Salguero, is\u00a0Darnell Washington.<\/p>\n