Jonnu Smith wants to stay in Miami. His coach wants him in Miami. We'll see if the Dolphins can bridge the contract gap to keep all parties happy.
Smith has been sitting out of workouts along voluntary organized team activities in hopes of getting a new contract after outplaying his deal that had him set to make roughly $4.1 million in 2025.
Head coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday that Smith is a "very important" cog in his offense.
"I haven't considered anything other than I want Jonnu on the team," McDaniel told reporters. "I think he wants to be here."
Smith generated 88 catches for 884 yards with eight touchdowns in his first season in Miami. He finished first on the team in catches and touchdown grabs and second in receiving yards.
Smith was the subject of recent trade rumors, but agent Drew Rosenhaus clarified over the weekend that his client wants to stay in Miami. The issue has never been his fit in McDaniel's offense or the desire to be a Dolphin. The question is the contract and whether Miami can meet the tight end's quest for a raise.
From the coach's perspective, it's pretty simple: Continue to prepare as though Smith will be on the field come September. The front office and Rosenhaus will handle the rest.
"My experience with business is you let that play out, and in that time Jonnu is depending on me to focus on the players that I have the ability to coach and influence." McDaniel added.
