MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Jonnu Smith, the tight end for the Dolphins, witnessed a significant milestone as he glanced at the jumbotron during their game at Hard Rock Stadium. He had just set a new franchise record for receptions (76) and yards (802) by a tight end in a single season, establishing himself as the top performer at that position in the team’s history, all within his inaugural year as a Dolphin.
After the Dolphins triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 29-17, Smith took a moment to reflect on what this achievement signifies to him. “I’ve just got a heart of gratitude right now,” he expressed. “I’m thankful to this entire organization for believing in me, to my teammates and the whole offense for trusting me and saying, ‘Let’s implement this guy consistently in our game plan.’ This marks the first time in my eight-year career that I’ve truly been able to find my footing, and God’s timing is perfect.”
Smith was one of Miami’s initial free-agent acquisitions earlier in the year, sought to strengthen the tight end position which traditionally emphasizes blocking in Mike McDaniel’s offense yet required more offensive contribution. Despite the Dolphins leading the league in total offense in 2023, the tight end group was yet to score a touchdown.
Initially, Miami didn’t anticipate Smith becoming a primary option for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The team had star receiver Tyreek Hill who led the NFL in receiving yards last season, and Jaylen Waddle, on the verge of his third consecutive 1,000-yard season, along with the addition of former All-Pro Odell Beckham Jr. as the third receiving threat.
“It’s not like Jonnu started off the season with impressive numbers,” McDaniel noted. “He remained unfazed, focusing solely on improving and being his best. This dedication has made him a pivotal player each week.”
Smith’s early season stats were not eye-catching, with only 14 receptions for 140 yards over the initial five matches until he broke out with seven catches for 96 yards and his opening touchdown of the season in Week 7 against the Colts.
From that point onward, he exploded with 55 catches, 566 yards, and six touchdowns. Smith has consistently achieved over 44 receiving yards in all but one game since Week 7, highlighted by a career-best performance of 113 yards on 10 receptions against Green Bay on Thanksgiving.
“He influences the game in a distinct manner and complements our other players perfectly,” McDaniel said. “Defensive players struggle in covering expansive zones, and when they are even slightly off, Jonnu usually capitalizes.”
In a dramatic overtime victory against the Jets in Week 14, Smith caught all three of his targets for 44 yards, even after not having any receptions during regulation.
He is not one to vocally demand more touches; rather, he approaches McDaniel towards the end of the game and expresses his thoughts with a glance.
“He has a way of reminding me of a play, which is constructive, but it’s clear what he’s alluding to,” McDaniel shared after the Jets game.
Smith has benefited from the defensive focus on Hill and Waddle, which has often resulted in two-high safety alignments that restrict Miami’s deep-threat capabilities. This focus has frequently left Smith with opportunities underneath, leveraging his physicality for yards after the catch.
This season has undeniably marked the high point of Smith’s eight-year career, placing him fourth among NFL tight ends in both yards and receptions, as well as being tied for fourth with six touchdowns.
Prior to 2024, Smith had not managed to exceed 50 receptions or 600 yards in a single season since being drafted by Tennessee in 2017. His most productive campaign before this year was last season with Atlanta, during which he recorded 50 catches for 582 yards and three touchdowns.
“Jonnu came here believing in my ability as a quarterback,” Tagovailoa stated, “and I’ve been able to help him reach his goals in the NFL—he’s open. Give him the ball, and you can see his capabilities. I’ve dubbed him my safety blanket.”
Smith attributes much of his success to McDaniel’s system and Tagovailoa for unlocking potential he believes has been latent for many years. He highlighted tight ends coach Jon Embree’s role in bringing out the best in him.
“I might run out of bounds on a play, and he’s fervently urging me on,” Smith said, “because he understands that once I get the ball, I can make things happen. His high expectations, something I’ve seldom experienced in my career, have motivated me.”
