The Pittsburgh Steelers have once again found themselves taking over headlines following their recent blockbuster trade that sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. The move came as a surprise to many across the league, including Smith himself, who didn’t see it happening. Still, when all was said and done, the Steelers continue to build momentum by bringing in top tier talent, staying true to the aggressive approach they've had throughout this entire offseason.
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Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey celebrating a game-winning INT at Hard Rock Stadium.
Recently, Smith made an appearance on Terron Armstead's podcast, where Armstead led an interview covering a wide range of topics. The conversation touched on everything from Smith’s early career experiences to his honest reaction to the recent trade that sent him to Pittsburgh. During the discussion, Smith shared that he has been in close communication with Ramsey, and the two are genuinely excited about this new chapter with the Steelers. More than just enthusiasm, both players believe that their combined presence could be exactly what Pittsburgh needs to take the team to the next level and make a serious push for playoff victories this season.
"We chopped it up one-on-one about what potentially could be, as rumors was floating around and we like bro, you know if this thing really happening, like Pittsburgh is a team that's historically in the dance," Smith said. "It's just maybe a couple of missing pieces like us that can fill that void, and get over that hump."
There’s a lot to be excited about based on what Smith shared during his podcast appearance. First and foremost, it’s always a positive sign when newly acquired players are genuinely enthusiastic about joining the Steelers and becoming part of the legacy the organization has built over the years. Even more encouraging is the fact that he not only praises the team but also speaks with confidence about the role both he and Ramsey can play. It's clear they both feel a strong sense of purpose and believe they truly belong on this roster, ready to contribute right away.
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Steelers' newly acquired TE Jonnu Smith running for a big play while fellow players and coaches celebrate.
When the initial rumors began circulating about Ramsey and Smith potentially joining the Steelers, one of the main concerns voiced by people was how exactly they would fit into an already crowded roster. The Steelers had already built depth at tight end, with several capable players on the roster, and had recently added other experienced veterans to their secondary to complement the existing talent. This raised questions about whether there was truly space for new additions like Ramsey and Smith to make an impact.
However, what sets these two players apart is their unique combination of versatility, high-level skill, and veteran experience. Their ability to adapt to different roles and contribute in multiple areas will not only help them carve out their place on the roster but also elevate the team’s overall performance. It has already been reported that the Steelers plan to use Smith as a receiving threat, possibly in the slot specifically.
The Steelers Have A New Look
The Steelers have made numerous changes this offseason, giving the team an entirely new look as they head into the upcoming season. This is where the "voids" Smith referred to comes from. While the Steelers have consistently been a competitive team, there's now added pressure to elevate their performance, especially with the addition of new talent to both sides of the roster.
David Santiago / Miami Herald
Steelers' newly acquired TE Jonnu Smith celebrates a big catch for a touchdown.
Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have impressively not had a losing season throughout his entire time being head coach. However, despite regular season success, the Steelers have not secured a playoff win in nearly a decade. With all the offseason additions and the significant changes made to both sides of the ball, this could finally be the year that shifts the narrative. These new pieces might be exactly what the Steelers need to break the playoff drought.
Do you agree with Smith and Ramsey? Let us know in the comments below!
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