Miami has also moved on from several Pro Bowl-caliber players this offseason, underscoring a shift in how the roster is being shaped. While some departures have immediate positive impact elsewhere, the flip side is evident in the ascent of players who left Miami and then faced challenges with new teams, including one notable case of a player who thrived in 2024 but was released shortly before the 2026 draft.
One prominent example in this narrative is tight end Jonnu Smith. The Dolphins signed Smith to a two-year, $8.4 million deal before the 2024 season, and he flourished under coach Mike McDaniel, setting franchise single-season records for receptions and receiving yards by a tight end and earning his first Pro Bowl. The success, however, did not translate into long-term security with Miami.
Entering 2025, Smith sought a pay raise, but negotiations stalled. He was ultimately included in the trade that brought Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami, and he moved on to Pittsburgh. There, he encountered limited opportunities behind a depth chart that didn’t feature him as a focal point, leading to a drop in production and his eventual release as he entered free agency.
Today, Smith remains unsigned, with analysts labeling him a potential bargain signing for a club that values his versatility and yards-after-the-catch ability. A reunion with Mike McDaniel could make sense in theory, given their prior success, but Miami has meanwhile locked in other options, including a one-year deal for tight end Greg Dulcich, which reduces the likelihood of a Dolphins reunion.
Overall, the 2026 narrative around the Dolphins centers on how the team manages a roster built on both developing talent and absorbing the value from veterans who move on. Some ex-Dolphins will flourish in new systems, while others will struggle to replicate their former heights. For Dolphins fans, the ongoing evolution means watching former players in different uniforms and weighing the implications for the team’s long-term strategy.
