The Pittsburgh Steelers made another big move that changes the feel of their roster by completing a major trade that brought tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh. Although there had been rumors circulating for weeks that the Steelers were interested in both Smith and Ramsey, the official trade still came as a surprise to many. The addition of two highly skilled veterans has created plenty of excitement among fans, especially with the potential impact these players could have on an already upgraded roster. However, not everyone is completely sold on the deal, as some have voiced their concerns, questioning how well they will fit into Pittsburgh’s scheme and the impact they will have this season.
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Pittsburgh Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey celebrating a game-winning INT at Hard Rock Stadium during his time with the Miami Dolphins.
One of these critics of the trade has been sports analyst Nick Wright, who shared his thoughts during a recent episode of First Things First. He raised concerns specifically about Smith’s overall playing ability and whether he would truly be able to make a significant impact on the Steelers' offense. His comments have added to the ongoing debate about whether the trade was a good move for the Steelers.
"I guess I do not value Jonnu Smith maybe the way you guys do," Wright said. "I think that Jonnu Smith is a replaceable player."
Smith is a seasoned veteran with plenty of experience under his belt, making him a reliable addition to the Steelers’ offense. What truly sets him apart, though, is his versatility, which is a key factor in the value he brings to the team. Smith possesses all the core attributes of a traditional tight end, including strong blocking skills and physical toughness. However, he also excels as a receiving threat, giving the Steelers flexibility in how they use him on the field.
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Steelers' Jonnu Smith runs with the football during the Pro Bowl.
This was highlighted last year when Smith was still a Miami Dolphin. He had an impressive 2024 season, catching 88 passes for 884 yards and scoring eight touchdowns in 17 games, which earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. He averaged 10 yards per catch, showing he could be both dependable and explosive on the field. His performance set new franchise records for a tight end in receptions and receiving yards, thus proving why he’s such a valuable and versatile addition to the Steelers’ offense.
Wright argues that Smith’s great season was largely due to a lack of other offensive options in Miami, due to injuries and other circumstances. While that may be true to some extent, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Smith performed at a high level and earned his success through strong, consistent play. Coming off such an impressive year, many Steelers fans are even more excited to welcome another top-tier talent to the roster. His arrival gives veteran quarterback, and future Hall of Famer, Aaron Rodgers another reliable target and offensive weapon to work with, adding even more potential to an already promising offense.
However, one concern surrounding the addition of Smith is that the Steelers already have talented tight ends on the roster. Even so, Smith brings significant value to the offense. Not only does he offer a unique skill set that can add to the team’s offensive scheme, but he also strengthens the overall depth of the tight end group. His presence gives the Steelers more flexibility and options, both in play design and rotations.
Across the league, it’s becoming more common to see teams use multiple tight ends on the field at the same time, much like how they utilize wide receiver duos. This strategy is especially effective when the tight ends are strong receiving threats, like Smith, who can run different types of routes and create more versatility within the offense.
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Steelers' Jonnu Smith looking to extend a play while playing for the Tennessee Titans.
Steelers Staff Already Knows Jonnu Smith
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has a history with Jonnu Smith, having previously coached him as the tight ends coach for the Tennessee Titans. Arthur Smith has publicly expressed his admiration and respect for Jonnu, which makes their reunion in Pittsburgh all the more exciting. This preexisting relationship is a major advantage, as Arthur Smith already understands Jonnu’s playing style and knows how to get the best out of him. Because of that and more, it will be exciting to see how Jonnu Smith is integrated into the Steelers’ offense and the role he will play in their offense.
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