Steelers' Arthur Smith Will Absolutely Find A Way To Add His Favorite Target To Roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers were among the worst offenses in the NFL under Matt Canada, so ahead of the 2024 season, they knew that had to change. Arthur Smith, former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, is who they believe can turn things around. For a new coordinator, it can help to have familiar, talented pieces around them. Free agent tight end Jonnu Smith could be that for Arthur Smith as he gets his Pittsburgh offense ready to go.

Steelers Could Get Jonnu Smith And Still Use Connor Heyward

The Steelers utilized Dan Kreider as a fullback throughout the early 2000s, but the position has been considered outdated by many offenses in the NFL. With Derek Watt becoming a free agent in March of 2023, the Steelers could get creative in how they fill the roster spot for 2024.

Connor Heyward is mostly known for his surprising touchdown catch against the Falcons during the 2022 season. The brother of Cam Heyward has been used here and there, but hasn't really found a consistent role on the team. With Arthur Smith coming in as the new coordinator, it could open the door for Heyward to solidify himself while creating space for someone else.

Jonnu Smith and Arthur Smith work well together; that is simply a fact. Whenever Arthur Smith has coached on a team that Jonnu Smith played for, the tight end's production rose significantly. In the two years before Arthur Smith became offensive coordinator in Tennessee, Jonnu Smith compiled 415 receiving yards and five touchdowns. When that is put up against the tight end's numbers in the two years that Arthur Smith oversaw the offense (887 yards, 11 touchdowns), the difference is clear.

Heyward, outside of the one touchdown against the Falcons, hasn't made too much of an impact at the tight end position. In two NFL seasons, Heyward has tallied 318 yards and that lone score, so if they changed his position, they wouldn't miss much offensive production. Excluding Jack Colletto, who spent the 2023 season on the Steelers' practice squad, the Steelers don't currently have a full-time fullback on their roster. If they decide they want a spot for Jonnu Smith, but don't want to lose Heyward, a position change could work out for everyone.

Steelers' Arthur Smith Could Put A Fullback To Good Use

It wasn't just Jonnu Smith who enjoyed above-average statistical success with Arthur Smith in charge of the offense. Derrick Henry and the Titans' offense had an explosion that started with the running game. During the 2023 offseason, the Steelers aimed to build up their trenches and get back to old-school football. While Mason Cole didn't work out, James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, and Broderick Jones have plenty of heft to throw around on the offensive line.

Arthur Smith was the offensive coordinator in Tennessee for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, during both of which the Titans were among the best rushing attacks in the NFL. 2019 had the Titans averaging 138.9 yards on the ground, and that rose to 168.1 yards rushing per game in 2020. While both those outputs are impressive, Henry demolished defenses across the league by having 3,567 yards rushing during the two years under Arthur Smith.

Najee Harris has a similar build to Henry and runs with the same bruising style, which lines up perfectly with Pittsburgh's desire to get back to a rushing identity. While it might not be realistic to expect a 2,000-yard season from Harris, the shift of Heyward to fullback could mean more room for the running back to work. Whether the quarterback in Arthur Smith's system turns out to be Kenny Pickett or someone else, the aim is to give them a durable, pounding rushing attack that can deflate even the grittiest NFL defenses.

Jonnu Smith would round out a tight end group that - with a Heyward switch to fullback - would include Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Heyward never really found a way to get onto the field consistently within that position group, so a move would work for both parties. The youth of Freiermuth and Washington could use the steady veteran hand that Jonnu Smith would bring. If it benefits the team as a whole, then giving Arthur Smith some additional familiarity would be a bonus.

How do you think the Connor Heyward move from tight end to fullback would help the 2024 Steelers' offense? What about the addition of Jonnu Smith? Comment below!

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