Raheem Mostert of the Miami Dolphins celebrates with teammates after a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium on December 11, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)Getty Images
The Miami Dolphins have an exciting new component to their offense with the addition of tight end Jonnu Smith. Following a one-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons, Smith agreed to a two-year deal with the Dolphins worth up to $10 million.
Smith cited a surprising reason why Miami became a compelling destination, according to Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson. “‘Hard Knocks’ was a big help and helped me make my decision,” Smith told reporters. He added that watching the MAX show played a huge factor in his choice, stating that he thought the team “would be a special group to be a part of.”
“Hard Knocks” followed the Dolphins in-season and highlighted behind-the-scenes footage across nine episodes. The series gave insight into the team’s culture and Mike McDaniel’s coaching style. Aside from the typical day-to-day operations, “Hard Knocks” zoomed in on fun moments, such as the offense pre-planning their touchdown celebrations.
As a reliable pass catcher, Smith is expected to add a new dimension to the Dolphins’ tight end usage. In 2023, Smith was targeted 70 times and recorded 582 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Before his time in Atlanta, the tight end spent two years with the New England Patriots and four years with the Tennessee Titans.
Smith will work alongside tight end Durham Smythe, who enters his seventh season with the Dolphins. Smythe is a strong blocker but hasn’t played a substantial role in Miami’s receiving game, which led to the acquisition of Smith.