Fantasy Football Today: Jonnu Smith Traded to Steelers! What It Means for Tyreek Hill, De'Von Achane, Tua Tagovailoa, and 2025 Tight Ends, & More! (06/30 Fantasy Football Podcast) – Detailed Summary
Release Date: June 30, 2025
In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by Adam Aizer alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and others, the team delves into the recent trade of tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The discussion explores the ramifications of this move on various players and fantasy football strategies for the upcoming season.
1. Introduction to the Jonnu Smith Trade
Heath kicks off the conversation with excitement and light-heartedness, stating:
"We interrupt this regularly scheduled programming and my lunch to talk about Jonnu Smith going to the Steelers. This better be good because this chicken parm that I left behind was really good and kind of missing it right now."
[00:05] – Heath
This trade marks a significant shift in the tight end landscape, prompting a deep dive into its implications.
2. Impact on Jonnu Smith and the Steelers
Heath highlights Jonnu Smith's performance from the previous season:
"Johnny Smith was a top five tight end last year. He was fourth per game in full PPR and he's going to the Steelers where he will now be in two tight end sets and on probably a team that's going to run the ball more than the Dolphins will."
[00:28] – Heath
The move to Pittsburgh is expected to influence Smith's target volume due to the Steelers' run-heavy approach, contrasting with the Dolphins' passing strategy.
3. Implications for the Miami Dolphins
The trade significantly affects the Dolphins' receiving corps and overall offensive dynamics.
a. Tight End Rankings and Projections
An unnamed analyst discusses the broader impact on tight end rankings:
"The biggest change is Pat Friermuth. He goes from maybe relevant to not relevant in my projections. John, who was the second biggest change?"
[00:53] – Unknown Analyst
Jonnu Smith's departure slides him to tight end 13 in projections, down from being a top contender. However, there remains potential for him to influence the Dolphins' offense.
b. Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle's Target Volume
Heath expresses concerns about Tyreek Hill's draft position:
"Tyreek Hill is at the 29th pick. He's wide receiver 17."
[01:35] – Heath
The analyst explains adjustments in their rankings:
"Tyreek's now my wide receiver 13. I could make a bigger adjustment in the future."
[02:55] – Unknown Analyst
The swap is expected to impact Hill's target share, potentially dropping his value in fantasy drafts from a round three to a later pick.
c. Tua Tagovailoa's Role and Offensive Strategy
The duo discusses Tua's quick release and its effects on the Dolphins' offense:
"Tua, I believe three years in a row has been top three in fastest release. That's not necessarily anything new for the Dolphins."
[05:21] – Heath
They analyze how this strategy emphasizes quick ball movement, which benefits certain receivers while limiting deep passing opportunities.
4. Potential Tight End Acquisitions and Replacement Costs
With Jonnu Smith entering the Steelers' roster, the discussion shifts to available tight ends and their impact.
"There's a real possibility... Michael Mayer could be available in Las Vegas."
[02:55] – Unknown Analyst
The analysts consider the depth of the tight end market, noting:
"I am not going to bump them up because it doesn't really change replacement cost that much at the position."
[09:03] – Unknown Analyst
They suggest that while elite tight ends remain valuable, the overall depth allows for strategic drafting beyond the top few options.
5. Broader Fantasy Football Implications
a. Adjustments to Player Projections
Heath and the analysts discuss how the trade affects their projections for key players:
"H.N is my highest projected running back right now."
[07:43] – Unknown Analyst
Heath counters with target statistics:
"He was on pace for 113 targets with Tua, and he averaged almost 23 fantasy points per game with Tua."
[07:58] – Heath
These insights highlight the nuanced adjustments fantasy managers must consider in their drafts.
b. Running Backs and Wide Receivers
The conversation touches on running backs and wide receivers, emphasizing the importance of understanding team offensive dynamics when valuing players:
"If I'm going to give the ball to somebody within five yards of the line of scrimmage, I would rather it be a Chan than Tyreek Hill."
[08:13] – Heath
6. Discussion on Team Offense and Future Strategies
The analysts explore the need for the Dolphins to enhance their offensive strategies, particularly in deep passing:
"They just have to be willing to have an offense that gets rid of the ball quickly but also at the appropriate times, takes deep shots."
[05:21] – Heath
This balance is crucial for maximizing the potential of high-target receivers like Hill and Waddle.
7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Heath and the analysts recap their standings on the discussed players and strategies, emphasizing adaptability in fantasy football:
"If you start getting credit for only fans, it's got to. We're going to have a problem here."
[09:40] – Heath
This light-hearted exchange underscores the camaraderie and dynamic nature of fantasy football discussions.
Key Takeaways:
- Jonnu Smith's Trade: The move to the Steelers impacts tight end rankings and the Dolphins' offensive structure.
- Tyreek Hill's Value: Potential downgrade in draft value due to altered team dynamics.
- Tua Tagovailoa's Role: Emphasis on quick passing affects wide receiver target distribution.
- Tight End Market: Depth in the position allows for strategic drafting beyond top-tier options.
- Fantasy Strategy: Importance of monitoring team changes and adjusting player projections accordingly.
This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Jonnu Smith trade and its ripple effects across various positions, offering valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to optimize their teams for the upcoming season.