After completing a blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves with two of the most dangerous tight ends from the 2024 season at their disposal. The Steelers acquired Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith and superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey from Miami for free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, as Pittsburgh was able to make multiple key upgrades on both sides of the ball. With the tight end room now consisting of Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Smith, the Steelers now have one of the deeper tight end groups in all of football.
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Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith as a member of the Miami Dolphins.
Smith may find himself taking on an expanded role outside of tight end as well, as the former Dolphin's athletic ability allows him to play multiple positions on offense. Smith could see time at wide receiver, as his speed and explosive play-making ability could prove to be a top weapon for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. An eight-year veteran, Smith had a career year with Miami in 2024 and should find familiarity rather quickly in Arthur Smith's offense.
As speculation continues to surround Jonnu Smith's role on Pittsburgh's offense, Steelers insider Brooke Pryor took a moment to share her thoughts on the situation.
"I think that Arthur Smith is in heaven right now." Pryor stated. "This is an Arthur Smith move. I think that [Jonnu] is going to be a Swiss Army knife type of weapon. I don't want to necessarily say tight end [number] three behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington because he is being paid to be more than a tight end."
Pryor then went on to speak about Jonnu Smith's flexibility on offense, stating that the veteran may very well see time at multiple positions in 2025.
"But I think he could do a little bit of everything in some ways."
Jonnu Smith has a history of playing multiple areas on offense outside of tight end, as the veteran is widely expected to emerge as a top target for Rodgers throughout training camp.
The tight end may also thrive at wide receiver behind DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll, as both wideouts are expected to garner a respectable amount of attention from opposing defenses. With both Freiermuth and Washington in the mix as well, an expanded role for Jonnu Smith continues to become more likely as the start of training camp approaches.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf during the team's 2025 minicamp.
Fans can expect to get their first glimpse of both Jonnu Smith and Ramsey practicing in full pads soon, as both veterans are expected to continue developing chemistry with their new teammates throughout the rest of the offseason.
Rodgers may prove to be a top beneficiary of the blockbuster deal as well, as the veteran quarterback now finds himself with multiple elite and Pro Bowl-caliber options available at his disposal. With training camp beginning next week, both Jonnu Smith and Ramsey are widely expected to be with the team as full participants.
Steelers May Add Wide Receiver Depth Following Acquisition Of Jonnu Smith
Despite having Jonnu Smith as a realistic receiving option, Pittsburgh is expected to turn their attention towards adding depth to the wide receiver room behind their top two options.
Jonnu Smith is expected to emerge as a top option as well, as the veteran will more than likely be faced with an expanded role once he gets comfortable with his new team. With many names remaining available on the market, the Steelers have recently been linked to free agent receivers such as Gabe Davis and Amari Cooper.
Davis, who is entering 2025 coming off an underwhelming season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a solid option who would prove to be a consistent third option. Davis shined throughout his time in Buffalo with Josh Allen, as the former Bill struggled in Jacksonville and was never able to truly find his role with the Jaguars. Pittsburgh reportedly hosted an excellent visit with Davis earlier in the offseason, as the former Jaguar is expected to come to a decision in the near future.
Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler, would be an elite wide receiver three and would provide Rodgers with another excellent option as well. Cooper was involved in a midseason deal last year that sent him to the Buffalo Bills, as the veteran had what many believe to be a down year in 2024. Cooper may come as a cheaper option as well, as the former Bill finds himself without a team prior to the start of training camp.
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Steelers potential free agent target Amari Cooper.
With both Jonnu Smith and Ramsey officially in Pittsburgh set to take on major roles next season, fans can expect to get a glimpse at the Steelers' newest players at the start of training camp next week.
Jonnu Smith should thrive in his expanded offensive role, as the veteran has made a solid impact throughout every stage of his career. The Steelers' offense features multiple new faces with the regular season around the corner, as many remain hopeful that the mix of veterans and rising stars will provide Pittsburgh with success throughout 2025.
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