Mike McDaniel gives update on Jonnu Smith’s absence from mandatory minicamp

The Miami Dolphins are looking to leave a bleak 2024 behind them this preseason but they are already missing a key piece for their first mandatory minicamp.

Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed on Tuesday that tight end Jonnu Smith has opted out of this week’s sessions. Smith has not publicly explained why he chose not to take part but he is still in talks with the team on a new contract.

“You will not see Jonnu on the field today, or this week,” McDaniel told reporters. “That’s something that we’ve been in communication with and I don’t really need to get into personal matters. I’m not really hiding anything, it’s just not about today and I’m better suited to answer questions about that.”

The contractual situation was laid out by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, during an appearance on WSVN 7’s Sports Xtra last weekend. Rosenhaus said the situation is “still fluid,” and added: “Nothing has been resolved yet. It’s still an ongoing situation.”

Smith was a third-round pick for the Tennessee Titans in 2017 and he has really thrived since joining the Dolphins last year. He made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2024 and finished the season with 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns; all career highs.

Miami would love to keep hold of a player of his talents but Smith’s current deal makes him the NFL’s 32nd-highest earner of all tight ends. He now has one year left on that contract and the Dolphins could trade him for a significant package if they deem his new salary demands too high.

Earlier this month the Pittsburgh Steelers were in conversations with Smith about a potential trade. Smith is reportedly keen to stay at Miami but, now 29 years old, wants that new contract to give him some security at this stage in his career.

“Here’s what I will say on behalf of my client,” Rosenhaus said of Smith. “Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami. That’s his first choice.“

“This is where he lives in the offseason. He had a record-breaking season last year. It was the best season ever for a Miami Dolphin tight end,“ Rosenhaus continued. ”He broke the team record for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns for a tight end and was the team’s single Pro Bowl player. He’s an incredibly valuable part of this team. ... He went to college at FIU. His dream team is the Dolphins."

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