Eagles could be on Dolphins’ radar for tight end after stunning Jonnu Smith trade to Steelers

The NFL closed the month of June with a major bang, with news of a blockbuster trade between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins breaking on Monday morning.

Superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith are joining Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers. Star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and draft compensation are headed to Miami.

There could be more dominoes to fall here, as ESPN’s Tom Pelissero reported shortly after news of the deal broke that the Dolphins are actively talking to teams about trading for a replacement tight end. Smith had the most productive season of his career in his lone season in Miami in 2024, notching career highs in targets (111), catches (88), yards (884) and touchdowns (8). 

The teams Miami are talking to are not yet known, but it would surprise no one if GM Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles are near the top of the list.

Unlike last year, the Eagles will enter training camp with a well-stocked tight end room, led by Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Kylen Granson and Harrison Bryant. It’s unlikely that all four of those players make Philly’s initial 53-man roster — the Eagles kept just two TEs, Goedert and Calcaterra, to start 2024 — so there’s an opportunity for some business to get done here.

Calcaterra could be an intriguing option, as the Eagles added some stiff competition at TE2 in both Granson and Bryant in free agency this offseason. Calcaterra proved himself as an all-around tight end in 2024, filling his usual blocking role while catching a career-high 24 balls on 30 targets as Goedert was limited to just 10 regular-season games due to hamstring and knee injuries.

Calcaterra could be appealing for Miami, which like Philly operates out of a run-heavy scheme on offense. Likewise, Roseman could see value in flipping a former sixth-round draft pick for equal or better value.

Miami could also call on Goedert, who was rumored to be on the trade block throughout the spring. Goedert accepted Philly’s restructured contract, however, and stands to be a key part of the team’s Super Bowl repeat bid this season. He’s also due $10 million fully guaranteed in 2025, compared to Calcaterra’s more modest, $1.1 million salary in the final year of his rookie deal.

The Eagles like Calcaterra, but if the Dolphins are willing to part with a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick, hypothetical conversations could become very real over the next few days.

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