The Miami Dolphins roster has fresh holes in the wake of a blockbuster trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers on June 30.
The Dolphins sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
While Ramsey’s status on the trading block has been well-documented, Smith’s departure via trade came as more of a surprise given his productivity and stature in the Dolphins’ locker room.
Smith enjoyed the best season ever by a Dolphins tight end in 2024, catching a team-high 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, all of which either set or tied personal bests.
His productivity reflected in Pro Football Focus’ end-of-season grades, which tabbed Smith as the Dolphins’ third-best offensive player in 2024.
Julian Hill graded as Dolphins’ worst offensive player
The Dolphins have become depleted at the tight end position in the 2025 offseason with Smith’s departure and veteran Durham Smythe’s release in February.
Third-year pro Julian Hill is the only returning tight end who logged any significant production with the Dolphins last season. He caught 12 passes for 100 yards.
Hill was graded as the Dolphins’ worst offensive player in 2024 among those who logged more than 200 snaps according to PFF. His nine total penalties were tied for 25th most in the NFL last season.
Dolphins tight end depth chart
Other names currently in the Dolphins’ tight end room include Pharaoh Brown, a 31-year-old veteran whom the Dolphins signed to a one-year contract in March, and Tanner Conner, a 27-year-old who has three catches for 16 yards in three years as a Dolphins reserve.
Tight ends with less experience on the Dolphins roster include Hayden Rucci, a second-year pro who did not play in 2024, and undrafted free agent Hayden Rucci.
Jalen Ramsey trade also hits cornerback depth
While Ramsey’s departure was expected, the Dolphins’ secondary nonetheless loses an All-Pro talent with no immediate answer on the roster.
While Fitzpatrick is versatile and can line up at corner and slot, the 28-year-old has shined brightest at safety, earning five Pro Bowl and three All-Pro selections playing over the top in Pittsburgh.
Here’s a look at the remaining cornerback players on the Dolphins roster:
Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins left depleted at key positions after Jonnu Smith, Jalen Ramsey trade
Reporting by Eric J. Wallace, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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