The Miami Dolphins’ decision to include tight end Jonnu Smith in Monday’s blockbuster Jalen Ramsey-Minkah Fitzpatrick trade has rubbed one former Dolphin the wrong way.
On Monday morning, Miami traded Ramsey and Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Fitzpatrick and a late-round pick swap.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert, who played for the Dolphins in 2015 and (more notably) from 2022 to 2024, slammed Miami on social media after the trade news broke.
‘Hot take: Be a Pro-bowler on the Dolphins, get treated like s—. Happy for my guys though! GO BALL OUT!!’ Mostert wrote on the social media site X.
Mostert made his first Pro Bowl in 2023, his ninth year as a pro, after leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns for the Dolphins. That season was also Mostert’s first in which he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark with 1,012 rushing yards on 209 carries.
Mostert began the 2024 season as Miami’s lead back, but a Week 1 injury kept him out of three subsequent games. By the time he returned, second-year De’Von Achane had done enough to take over the top spot on the depth chart.
The Dolphins released Mostert in February, and he subsequently signed a deal with the Raiders the following month.
The Dolphins’ decision to trade Smith months after he finished his first Pro Bowl season was enough to prompt a public reaction from Mostert, who alludes to feeling like he was treated similarly.
Smith had been in contract negotiations with Miami as he attempted to cash in on the most statistically productive season of his career. He ended up in a trade to Pittsburgh, where he received a one-year, $12 million extension as part of the deal.
The Raiders have not yet released an official depth chart, though Mostert is expected to split carries with rookie Ashton Jeanty in both players’ first year in Las Vegas.
In Pittsburgh, Smith reunites with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who has historically enjoyed deploying two-tight-end sets. For at least the next two seasons, Jonnu Smith will likely be paired with tight end Pat Freiermuth in the Steelers’ offense.
