The Pittsburgh Steelers had convinced the fan base that they needed outside help at the wide receiver position all offseason long. Well, on Monday morning, some of that problem was seemingly addressed when the Steelers traded Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. While other draft picks were involved in the deal, it was the players who stole the spotlight, especially with Pittsburgh landing two veterans who can make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, then with the Tennessee Titans, walks off the practice field with tight end Jonnu Smith.
There’s still concern about the wide receiver room even after the team’s earlier move for DK Metcalf, but the Steelers seriously appear to be viewing the addition of Smith as part of the solution. Smith, known for his versatility and athleticism, is expected to line up all over the field and give the offense another weapon, even if he’s not a traditional wideout. In Arthur Smith’s system, which thrives on physicality and play-action, Jonnu could effectively serve as a hybrid receiver who helps take pressure off Metcalf and the rest of the wide receiver group.
Steelers insider Brian Batko offered an interesting perspective during his recent chat on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, revealing that the team may no longer be aggressively searching for wide receiver help following the trade. According to Batko, the front office views Smith’s arrival as a significant enough addition to potentially close the door on the pursuit of another wideout.
"My assumption is that next time we hear from Mike Tomlin/Arthur Smith/Omar Khan, they'll be talking about how they don't just look at Jonnu Smith as a tight end," Batko said. "He's an offensive weapon and someone who can provide YAC, red zone catches, lead blocking, etc. With that in mind, the need for another WR is lessened. I'd also question which established receivers would even want to come here to such a (seemingly) TE-centric offense with DK Metcalf lining up on one side at all times."
It’s a surprising development given how vocal fans and analysts have been about the team’s lack of depth, but the Steelers seem confident that Smith’s presence could reshape the offense in a way that makes an additional receiver less of a priority. As Batko also pointed out, it may be harder now to land a productive wide receiver.
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Steelers' Calvin Austin III celebrating a big play during a game in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers’ wide receiver room is currently led by Metcalf, who gives the offense a true number one target on the outside. Behind him, though, things are far less certain. The rest of the depth chart will likely be handled by committee, with veteran Robert Woods, speedster Calvin Austin III, and Roman Wilson all expected to rotate in.
Each receiver offers a different skill set, but none have firmly established themselves as consistent, high-volume contributors. That’s why the recent addition of Smith is so interesting. Even though Smith is a tight end, the Steelers clearly believe he can play a major role in solving their pass-catching concerns.
Smith joins a tight end group that already includes Pat Freiermuth, who many believe is poised for a breakout season with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Freiermuth has shown flashes of high-level play throughout his career, and having Smith alongside him could finally open the field for him to reach his full potential.
On top of that, the Steelers still have Darnell Washington, a towering and athletic tight end who has reportedly made big strides as a pass catcher. That gives Pittsburgh three big-bodied targets for Rodgers to utilize, along with Metcalf and a trio of receivers who could all develop into solid contributors if given the opportunity.
Steelers' WR Room Has To Stay Healthy In 2025
With this kind of depth and size at tight end, the Steelers might not feel pressure to add more help at wide receiver. The offense suddenly has several versatile weapons who can create mismatches and move the chains. However, there are still legitimate concerns about depth at wide receiver.
Associated Press
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf speaks while getting introduced to the Pittsburgh media.
If injuries start to pile up, especially behind Metcalf, the Steelers could find themselves in a difficult position. While the current group may be good enough on paper, staying healthy will be key to avoiding another midseason scramble for help at the position.
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