Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Receives Authoritative Message From Star Tight End

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently had their new-look offense on full display during the annual Friday Night Lights practice, as Steelers fans were able to get their first glimpses of what they can expect out of the team in 2025. Four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers is expected to play a crucial role on Pittsburgh's offense throughout the season, as the 20-year veteran is entering what is more than likely his final season in the NFL. The Steelers added star receiver DK Metcalf and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith this offseason as well, and many believe that Pittsburgh's offense is one of the more underrated units in the entire league.

Smith is expected to emerge as a major weapon at Rodgers' disposal, as the Steelers' tight end room features an elite one-two punch in Smith and Pat Freiermuth. Entering his fifth NFL season, Freiermuth has continued to improve throughout his career and should emerge with a key role in 2025. Freiermuth had a career high in receptions last season with 65, as the star tight end should become a top beneficiary of Rodgers' presence throughout 2025.

Freiermuth recently took a moment to speak about his connection with Rodgers so far, as the tight end claimed Rodgers' elite ball placement has been on full display throughout camp.

"His ball placement is great." Freiermuth stated. "He always throws us open. If we're covered at a certain angle, he throws it back shoulder or throws us over the top."

Freiermuth then went on to speak further in depth about Rodgers' ball placement, as the star praised the veteran quarterback for his ability to put the ball only where his receiver can get it.

"He does a great job of putting it where only we can get it."

Freiermuth's comments should not come as surprising to many, as Rodgers is a 20-year veteran and future Hall of Fame quarterback that has had elite ball placement throughout the course of his career. Rodgers has the chance to emerge as a top quarterback in the league should he prove to be healthy, as the former Green Bay Packer is still just three seasons removed from winning his last MVP award in 2021. 

Rodgers' last two seasons with the New York Jets was highlighted by injuries and mediocrity, as the veteran will look to play like his former self in Pittsburgh throughout 2025. Freiermuth is expected to remain as the top tight end entering 2025, as Smith is a dynamic player who will be able to play multiple positions including wide receiver. 

Smith, who was acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins that sent veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami, is an elite veteran who may emerge as Rodgers' top target behind Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll. Smith was credited with a career year in 2024, as the former Dolphin posted an impressive 884 yards on 88 receptions despite dealing with poor quarterback play for the majority of the season.

Steelers' Jonnu Smith Expected To Play Multiple Roles During 2025 Season

With the Steelers tight end room already featuring Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, the Steelers are expected to use Smith at multiple positions on offense. Smith could emerge as Pittsburgh's true wide receiver three (WR3) behind Metcalf and Austin, as the tight end's athletic ability allows for him to play multiple key positions. Smith may prove to play a role off the field as well, as the veteran is expected to be an excellent mentor for younger tight ends Connor Heyward and JJ Galbreath.

The veteran tight end has experience playing in Arthur Smith's offense as well, as Jonnu Smith played under the offensive coordinator during his time in Tennessee and Atlanta. 

Both Galbreath and Heyward can become top beneficiaries of Jonnu Smith's presence, as the two promising tight ends will be learning from an experienced eight year veteran. With training camp continuing to move forward, the Steelers are expected to have a better understanding as to what Jonnu Smith's true role will be in the near future.

With Rodgers continuing to receive praise from his offense throughout training camp, many feel as if the veteran quarterback still has enough in the tank to make one more deep playoff run. Freiermuth will benefit from playing with Rodgers as well, as the tight end could potentially become a major weapon at Rodgers' disposal as well. With training camp officially well under way, fans should continue to keep a close eye on Rodgers for the remainder of the offseason.

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