Broncos named as landing spot for ex-Steelers, Dolphins 3,529-yard Pro Bowl TE

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) catches a fumble in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

While the Denver Broncos didn't make a ton of changes to their AFC Championship roster from last season to this season, they did make a big move on offense.

The trade for Jaylen Waddle was a huge one, as it gave the Broncos offense a dynamic playmaker who proved his worth with the Miami Dolphins. So, it wouldn't be unfamiliar territory to sign a former Dolphins receiving threat this offseason.

Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports linked the Broncos to free-agent veteran tight end, and former Dolphins Pro Bowler Jonnu Smith, as a potential fun addition to the Denver offense for Sean Payton.

Jonnu Smith linked to Broncos as free-agent option

"TE Jonnu Smith: Broncos," DeArdo writes. "... Smith's skill set also meshes with Sean Payton's offense, which gives pass-catchers a chance to make plays after the catch."

Since the Broncos aren't getting much from their current tight end room, with Evan Engram being a disappointment and Adam Trautman not being much more than a depth option, adding a truly versatile receiving threat at TE would make a lot of sense.

Smith had a career-year with the Dolphins while playing alongside Waddle in 2024, as he put up 884 yards and eight touchdowns with 88 receptions on 111 targets.

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While his 222-yard, two-touchdown, and 38-reception season on 54 targets with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year was a bit of a disappointment, he's still a good option to consider in free agency if Denver want's to add to their TE room.

Considering how weak this TE room has been for the Broncos, adding Smith, the 30-year-old, nine-year veteran tight end, who has 3,529 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns on 345 receptions in his NFL career, would make a lot of sense.

This Broncos team is good enough to win the Super Bowl in 2026, and instead of relying on some uncertain tight ends, adding Smith, even if only as a depth option, would make a lot of sense.

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