With the recent Steelers–Dolphins trade, the fantasy world now has to adjust to this news. Let us examine the trade, and then the fantasy changes to teams near and far.
Depending on where you look, TE Jonnu Smith is from the TE5 to the TE10, so the Steelers acquired not only the piece they needed on defense in CB Jalen Ramsey, but the TE to assist their aging QB, Aaron Rodgers. Jonnu finished 4th in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and 2nd in receiving TDs amongst all tight ends, and even at the age of 29, Smith looked poised to become a solid top 5 TE for the 2025 campaign if he stayed in Miami.
One thing to remember with the Steelers is that last year, their TE1 Pat Freiermuth finished ranked TE11 with a PFF offensive grade of 66.7 and TE30 in 2023, while Smith finished TE4 with a PFF grade of 79.6, and even ended 2023 as TE19. Smith will likely take over the majority of snaps in Pittsburgh while Freiermuth operates more in two-tight-end sets. Freiermuth does have the edge over Jonnu in terms of blocking and could relegate Smith to playing less on early downs.
Jonnu Smith’s Value
Smith’s value is taking a dip after this trade in large part due to his fit in the Steelers’ system compared to competition in the tight end room. The historical usage under Arthur Smith has not been pretty, with Smith never topping 582 receiving yards in any season under his guidance, and his per-game averages in those years ranged from 6.5 to 9.3 fantasy points.
If you’re a Jonnu Smith owner in dynasty, you’re most likely going to have to ride out this year in hopes he continues his upward trajectory after a career year. If someone is willing to trade for Smith, SELL immediately. His production will slip and regress towards his averages with Arthur Smith at offensive coordinator.
Pat Freiermuth’s Value
Freiermuth is one of the biggest downgrades after this trade in fantasy football. Muth sees his value go from low-end TE1 to a low-end TE2 with capped upside after the addition of Jonnu Smith. Smith’s production with Arthur Smith in Atlanta resulted in 70 targets and 50 catches alongside Kyle Pitts. Freiermuth will handle a similar workload this year for the Steelers, making it hard to trust him every week.
Dolphin’s Receivers Value
This trade also casts a favorable light on the fantasy outlook of Dolphins wideouts, particularly Jaylen Waddle. After finishing outside the top 50 wide receivers in per-game fantasy scoring in 2024, Waddle could be in for a bounce-back season. Waddle should rise draft boards and has the potential to match his production from his WR8 season in 2022. Outside of Waddle, there are not many other changes in Miami. Tyreek Hill remains a controversial WR1 with his age and injuries from last year, while De’Von Achane is poised for a bigger workload in 2025.
Defensive Values
The addition of Ramsey to the Steelers’ defense does give them an upgrade at the cornerback position, but also adds a hole at safety with the departure of Minkah. I would not worry too much about the departure of Minkah slowing down this defense, as long as Mike Tomlin is at the helm.
As far as the Dolphins go, I want no piece of this defense in fantasy football. They lack playmakers in the front seven and now have massive question marks at the cornerback position. The addition of Minkah does help the safety room, but it is still a downgrade compared to Jevon Holland in 2024.
