The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to make bold offseason moves that have completely changed the look and feel of the roster. The latest was a blockbuster trade that brought in two big impact players: veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. This major acquisition has quickly become a hot topic across the league, causing a lot of discussion among everyone. Many fans and pundits seem to have an opinion on how these new additions will fit into the Steelers' system and what kind of impact they could make in the upcoming season.
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Steelers TE Jonnu Smith celebrating a big play while playing for the Miami Dolphins.
Following the news of the major trade, Steelers Insider Mark Kaboly joined 93.7 The Fan to give his reaction and thoughts on the move. Kaboly believes that the trade will have a positive impact on the Steelers’ roster, noting that both players bring valuable experience and skill that can make a huge difference going into this season. When discussing Smith specifically, Kaboly emphasized that this may have been the best possible addition the Steelers could have made compared to the other remaining options on the market.
"A better receiver than anything that is still out there, free agent wise, or trading wise," Kaboly shared.
It’s no secret that the Steelers have been actively looking for another key receiving threat to support veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. After trading away wide receiver George Pickens earlier this offseason, a significant gap was left in the receiving corps that has yet to be fully addressed. While Steelers Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni recently named Calvin Austin III as the team’s current wide receiver two (WR2), but that hasn't made everyone feel so sure.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III is hungry for competition in 2025.
Many are still hoping the Steelers will bring in another significant playmaker, someone who can complement DK Metcalf and help form a dynamic, unbreakable receiving duo. In today’s NFL, having just one strong receiver isn’t enough, and the need for another target remains a highly talked about topic. Adding another strong wide receiver would create more challenges for opposing defenses and provides the offense with more options to make plays.
The Steelers have been linked to a number of free agent wide receivers this offseason, with some of them making official visits, while others remained rumored targets. It now appears the Steelers intend to utilize Smith as a legitimate receiving threat. Beyond his capabilities as a pass-catcher, Smith also brings versatility that allows him to play multiple roles across the offense. This makes him an especially valuable addition, giving the Steelers a dynamic weapon who not only fills the need for a reliable receiving target, but also adds depth and flexibility to their offensive scheme.
The Steelers already have a solid group of tight ends on the roster, which is exactly where Smith's receiving ability sets himself apart. Even with this recent acquisition, it’s still unclear whether the Steelers are done making major moves this offseason. Given the remaining cap space and overall financial flexibility the team has, it wouldn’t be surprising if more roster additions are on the horizon. The front office has shown a willingness to be aggressive, and there may still be opportunities to strengthen key areas before the season kicks off.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stares off into the distance as he stands on the field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Are Preparing For The Future
The Steelers have been making a lot of big moves that have combined experienced veteran players with young, talented rookies. This approach allows the team to stay competitive right now while also building toward the future. It’s hard, but if done right, it could set the Steelers up for sustained success in the long run. As the team continues to work through offseason programs, they are focused on building chemistry and preparing for the high expectations that await. With the regular season approaching, all eyes will be on the Steelers to see how this new roster performs.
How do you see Smith fitting into the Steelers' offense? Do you think he’ll be as impactful in the receiving game as Kaboly predicts? Let us know in the comments below!
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