Steelers' Tight End Hints That Dolphins' Jonnu Smith Is Not Truly A Fit On Pittsburgh's Depth Chart

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not been able to avoid headlines throughout the 2025 offseason. Whether there have been discussions regarding Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, George Pickens, TJ Watt, or any number of other potential topics, the fans in the Steel City have been glued to their phones and televisions. This trend continued with recent reports surrounding the organization's possible interest in trading for Miami Dolphins tight end, Jonnu Smith. Pittsburgh's free-agent signee, Donald Parhman Jr., tore his Achilles during Organized Team Activities (OTAs), which means he will miss all of the 2025 season.

After the injury to Parham, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward occupy the tight end room. One way or another, the Steelers will add to the group, but it remains to be seen what kind of player will be brought into the mix. Parham was most likely supposed to be the second receiving tight behind Freiermuth, but that approach will now have to change on the offensive end of things.

On Wednesday, Heyward spoke to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive and didn't seem too invested in the idea of Smith being thrown into the mix. Heyward gave several reasonings as to why the addition of the veteran might not make sense, as the reporter noted on X.

"It would be complicated having [Smith] and Pat [Freiermuth]." Heyward said. "They both got to have 100 balls a year thrown their way. You've seen that. We all have produced, me, Darnell, and Pat. If it was to happen, we'd welcome it, but at the same time, we know Pat's our guy right now."

Heyward gave some more of his thoughts on the situation and hinted at the fact that trading for Smith would be contradicting exactly what the Steelers did when Pickens was dealt.

"If that was happening, and I don't think it's going to happen, but Pat's here. We have DK [Metcalf]. That's like having George [Pickens] and DK. You've got to have one," Heyward said.

All points made by the tight end are reasonable. There's also the interesting piece of the puzzle that Heyward will virtually get no offensive snaps if Freiermuth and Smith were to be used in the passing game, while Washington acts as the main blocking tight end. Overall, though, it seems as if the positional group isn't expecting a trade to occur because of Freiermuth's presence.

It sure seems as if the Steelers would be better off making some kind of a trade for a wide receiver, and not a tight end. However, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith loves using multiple tight ends at once, and the position is extremely important in his offense. It shouldn't come as a surprise if Pittsburgh did hit the phones in search for a potential replacement for Parham.

The offense in the Steel City has been quite underwhelming for several seasons in a row. The fan base is hoping that fact changes in 2025, but with plenty of questions at the quarterback position, no one is sure what the on-field product will look like just yet. Regardless of who is under center, it will be imperative to surround that individual with as many weapons as possible.

Trading for a tight end, rather than focusing on the wide receiver position seems questionable, but due to the offense and current playbook, it does make sense as to why the front office could be looking at several different options currently.

Steelers Fans Can't Get Excited About The 2025 Offense Until Quarterback Situation Is Resolved

Regardless of the moves that Pittsburgh may or may not make before the start of the regular season, the most important transaction that can happen is Rodgers signing with the organization. While he may be 41 years old, he is a four-time MVP and, with the right roster around him, could have one more major run left in him. All of the speculation and rumors will finally be ending in the coming months.

Do you think that Jonnu Smith fits in the Steelers' current offensive setup? Let us know in the comments below!

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