According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers have had trade discussion with the Miami Dolphins for Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith.
But, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo tells Joe Starkey he thinks it’s all a ploy by Smith’s agent to get a deal done in Miami.
“I don’t think there’s a good chance of that happening Joe,” said Fittipaldo. “I think that was his agent trying to renegotiate his contract through the media. I’ll never say never, but that report there was not generated through the Steelers.”
Schefter says the reports of trade talks came out after the tight end “expressed an interest in reworking his deal that is scheduled to pay him $4.8 million this season.”
Schefter adds that the Smith’s preference is to stay with the Dolphins with a new deal.
With it looking like the Steelers, once again, are being used as a pawn to get a deal done for a player with another team, it’s unlikely Smith is dealt to Pittsburgh.
Fittipaldo says he doesn’t see the Steelers adding another playmaker until after quarterback Aaron Rodgers signs, which he still believes will happen.