Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jonnu Smith

Discover the career path of Jonnu Smith, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jonnu Smith is an American professional football tight end currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He played college football at FIU and was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Smith played four seasons with the Titans before joining the New England Patriots in 2021. He was then traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 and later signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2024.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Freshman Year at FIU

In 2013, during his freshman year at Florida International University, Jonnu Smith played 12 games, making 39 receptions for 388 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

2014: Sophomore Year at FIU

In 2014, as a sophomore, Jonnu Smith played 12 games and had 61 receptions for 710 yards and eight touchdowns at Florida International University.

2015: Junior Year at FIU

In 2015, during his junior year, Jonnu Smith played in eight games, finishing with 36 receptions for 397 yards and four touchdowns at Florida International University.

2016: Senior Year at FIU

In 2016, as a senior, Jonnu Smith played in 11 games and recorded 42 receptions for 506 yards and four touchdowns at Florida International University.

March 29, 2017: Participated at FIU's pro day

On March 29, 2017, Jonnu Smith participated at FIU's pro day, along with Dieugot Joseph and ten other teammates. He performed the three-cone drill and positional drills for scouts and team representatives from 29 NFL teams and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

May 17, 2017: Signed with the Titans

On May 17, 2017, Jonnu Smith signed a four-year, $3.10 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, including a $706,288 signing bonus.

2017: Senior Bowl Participation

In 2017, Jonnu Smith participated in the Senior Bowl, but was overshadowed by other tight ends.

2017: Drafted by the Tennessee Titans

In 2017, Jonnu Smith was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round as the 100th overall pick in the NFL draft.

2017: Selected in the NFL Draft

In 2017, Jonnu Smith was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the NFL draft.

2019: Career Highs and Playoff Appearance

In 2019, Jonnu Smith set career-highs in receptions with 35 and receiving yards with 439 and tied his career-high in touchdowns with three. The Titans made the playoffs as a Wild Card team.

2020: Career Highs in Receptions, Yards, and Touchdowns

In 2020, Jonnu Smith set career-highs in receptions with 41, receiving yards with 448, and receiving touchdowns with eight.

March 19, 2021: Signed with the New England Patriots

On March 19, 2021, Jonnu Smith signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the New England Patriots.

2021: Joined New England Patriots

In 2021, Jonnu Smith joined the New England Patriots after playing four seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

2022: 2022 Season with the Patriots

In 2022, Jonnu Smith finished the season with 27 receptions for 245 yards in 14 games.

March 15, 2023: Traded to the Atlanta Falcons

On March 15, 2023, Jonnu Smith was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round draft pick.

2023: Traded to Atlanta Falcons

In 2023, Jonnu Smith was traded to the Atlanta Falcons.

February 27, 2024: Released by the Falcons

On February 27, 2024, Jonnu Smith was released by the Atlanta Falcons.

March 8, 2024: Signed with the Miami Dolphins

On March 8, 2024, Jonnu Smith signed a two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.

2024: Career Highs in Receptions and Receiving Yards

In 2024, Jonnu Smith finished the season setting career highs in receptions with 88 and receiving yards with 884 yards while tying his career-high eight receiving touchdowns.

2024: Signed with Miami Dolphins

In 2024, Jonnu Smith signed with the Miami Dolphins.

June 30, 2025: Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers

On June 30, 2025, Jonnu Smith, along with Jalen Ramsey and a 2027 seventh-round pick, was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.