SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of the game in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Dolphins Make Key Free Agent Signing
The Miami Dolphins have made a significant upgrade by signing free agent Jonnu Smith. Last year, while playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Smith had arguably his best season, tallying 582 yards and three touchdowns. Initially, these numbers might not seem remarkable, but compared to the stats of the Miami Dolphins’ tight ends in 2023, Smith’s free agent signing represents a valuable improvement to the team’s offense.
Miami’s Tight End’s and Why Signing a Veteran Free Agent was The Right Move.
Last year Miami had one of the worst tight end rooms in the NFL. In 2023 Durham Smythe held the position of starting tight end for the Miami Dolphins, but he only managed to produce 366 yards and zero touchdowns. Jullian Hill is a promising rookie for the Dolphins and may develop into a serviceable NFL starter, but this team is focused on immediate success. There is no doubt the Dolphins needed the addition of a veteran that will help their young tight ends develop while also giving the team some much-needed production at the position.
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Let’s consider the final four teams from the 2023 playoffs: Chiefs, Lions, 49ers, and Ravens. What do they all have in common? A superstar tight end. While Jonnu Smith may not be classified as a superstar, the significance of a good tight end cannot be overlooked, particularly in an offense like Kyle Shanahan’s, which mirrors the Dolphins’ current offensive style. The ability to block effectively and secure the edge is crucial in an offense centered around inside and outside zone runs.
Smith’s Impact in the passing game
Smith will also serve as Tua Tagovailoa’s security blanket. Presently, Miami’s passing attack relies heavily on speed in open space, requiring Tua to make quick decisions and throw to undersized receivers in tight windows. The offense hinges on Tua’s ability to make the right reads; when he’s performing well, they’re nearly unstoppable, but when he’s off, they stagnate. Adding a big target like Smith can alleviate some of the pressure from Tagovailoa. He won’t always need to make the perfect read to convert on third down; now, a check-down to a 6’3″, 250lb veteran who can gain extra yards is a reliable option to keep the chains moving.
The Upside
Smith may also be poised to have a career season. His years in Tennessee were mostly spent as a number two behind superstar tight end, Delanie Walker. At his previous two teams New England and Atlanta, he was playing with not so stellar quarterbacks, Mac Jones and Desmond Ridder. In Miami’s wide-open speed-oriented offense, defenses will be backing up to stop the deep ball, leaving plenty of room for Smith to work in the middle of the field and underneath. He will also have an offensive head coach in Mike McDaniel who can elevate players by putting them in great positions using scheme. Smith will be seeing more targets and more green grass than ever before.
Overall, this is a great free agent signing for the Miami Dolphins. Every team needs a good tight end, and Smith was one of the better free agent tight ends available. Miami will be getting a proven commodity for the low price of $10 million over two years. Is Smith the long-term answer for Miami at tight end? No. Every team is looking for the next Sam LaPorta, but he is going to make life a little easier in the 305 in 2024.
