Miami Dolphins had a clear snub for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games

It hasn't been the greatest of seasons for the Miami Dolphins in 2024.  At 8-8, they still remain alive for the playoffs, but the season has been a slog, with Miami's offense taking a big step back while a rejuvenated defense under Anthony Weaver has kept them barely afloat. 

As such, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise to see the Dolphins with no players elected to the Pro Bowl on Thursday.  Not a player elected nor even an alternate among the roster.  And most of that is deserved. 

However, there is one player who deserves to be in Orlando for the Pro Bowl Games in February, and that's tight end Jonnu Smith.  

Smith has put together a career year in 2024 and has been a crucial part of the Dolphins' offense.  How important has he been?  He has the same number of catches as Tyreek Hill (79) with one more touchdown (7).  He has more receiving yards (828) than Jaylen Waddle (700).  He's also set the Dolphins' franchise record for catches and receiving yards by a tight end. 

And among his tight end peers in the AFC?  Smith has the third most catches and is second in receiving yards and touchdowns.  Raiders rookie sensation Brock Bowers - a no-brainer electee to the Pro Bowl - leads catches and yards; Travis Kelce is second in catches.  However, Kelce ultimately got the nod over Smith.  That happens when you're 15-1 and have a strong look at your third straight Super Bowl title.  To the victors go the spoils.  

Still, it's hard to imagine where this Dolphins team would be right now without Smith.  Surely not in playoff contention, nowhere close to it.  One could even argue that he's the MVP of this team in 2024, despite not getting the recognition from the fans and his peers around the league. 

We'll see if perhaps Kelce opts out of the Pro Bowl if Kansas City advances to their third straight Super Bowl, which perhaps might open up an opportunity for Smith.  We'll also see on Sunday afternoon if the Chiefs, likely sans Kelce, can give the Dolphins a helping hand as the latter fights to snatch the final wild card spot in the AFC.