The Pittsburgh Steelers heard their names mentioned in trade talks on Thursday. This all comes from the Steelers’ decision to move on from star wide receiver George Pickens. Pittsburgh sent Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys via trade and now are trying to find a complement to new wide receiver DK Metcalf.
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Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, #9, enters the field before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 27, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The first report broke from Adam Schefter that the Steelers and the Miami Dolphins were in talks about tight end Jonnu Smith being traded to Pittsburgh. Then Jordan Schultz reported that the Steelers are actively looking for help in their passing attack to bolster the offense for the upcoming season.
On Thursday night, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo poured cold water on those trade talks during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan. He suggested that while the Steelers remain interested in improving their offense, there was no immediate deal in the works for Smith or other major additions. The team appears to be taking a more measured approach as they evaluate their options moving forward according to Fittipaldo.
"I know guys, it's not coming from the team. I think it's probably a situation where Jonnu Smith has played for Arthur Smith before and I think his agent is probably trying to use this as leverage. So that's my take on it right now," Fittipaldo said. "I never say never... But I don't think there's much to it right now."
Fittipaldo expressed strong skepticism about the reports suggesting the Steelers were actively pursuing Smith. He did not believe the team was the source of the news that Schefter shared regarding Pittsburgh’s supposed interest in the tight end. Instead, Fittipaldo sees this more as a strategic move orchestrated by Smith’s agent.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, then with the Tennessee Titans, walks off the practice field with tight end Jonnu Smith.
Because of Smith’s past working relationship with Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, who coached alongside him during their time with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons, there is a natural connection that Smith’s camp is likely trying to leverage for their advantage.
Fittipaldo believes that Smith’s agent is using this connection as a way to create buzz and potentially increase interest or contract value, rather than the Steelers making a concrete or serious effort to acquire the tight end at this time. From his perspective, it is less about Pittsburgh aggressively pursuing a trade and more about Smith’s representatives positioning their client in the market to gain leverage in negotiations. This kind of tactic is not uncommon in the NFL, especially when players and coaches have established strong professional relationships that could influence potential roster moves.
The Steelers remain connected to ongoing talks about adding help to the offensive side of the ball. Whether that addition is Smith or another player, the team is reportedly searching for a reliable complement to Metcalf. Currently, the Steelers’ passing attack notably features tight end Pat Freiermuth, Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Robert Woods as the primary options. However, many analysts and fans feel that this group may not be enough to fully replace the production lost after trading away Pickens.
Steelers' Omar Khan Could Have Another Move Up His Sleeve
It will be interesting to watch how General Manager Omar Khan approaches the trade market in the coming weeks. The Steelers have made it clear that they are actively looking for ways to improve their offense, and Khan has already demonstrated a willingness to make moves when the right opportunity arises. If a deal that strengthens the team presents itself, Khan is expected to act decisively to get it done.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan talks on the phone during a practice in the Steel City.
For now, Steeler Nation is left waiting and watching to see if the Steelers and Khan have any impactful moves planned to boost the offense. With the regular season approaching, the pressure will mount to add playmakers who can help elevate the passing game and provide support for Metcalf and the rest of the offense. Fans remain hopeful that the front office will deliver before it’s too late.
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