It’s been a busy offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers as the team hopes to return to contention in 2025.
The Steelers pulled off a big trade landing star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Then, the team allowed Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to leave in free agency in favor of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.
The offense definitely has a higher ceiling than it did in 2024, but has the team done enough to truly compete? Looking at the depth chart, the team could definitely stand to add another pass-catcher or two.
David Helman of FOX Sports recently identified tight end Jonnu Smith as a realistic trade target for the Steelers. Smith has been holding out from minicamp with the Miami Dolphins as he seeks a new contract after a career year in 2024.
I’m guessing the Dolphins would prefer to pay Smith, but the reality of their salary cap might make that easier said than done. Smith was electric in the final eight games of 2024, averaging seven catches and 67 yards per outing, with seven of his eight touchdowns coming in the home stretch.
Sounds like a perfect guy to pair with Rodgers. Not only would Smith be an extra pass catcher for an offense that needs them, but he’d be a great add for Arthur Smith. The Steelers’ offensive coordinator is famous for his preference for two tight end sets, and he oversaw Smith’s breakout when both were with the Tennessee Titans.
The Dolphins may not have the money to give Smith what he wants, so a trade could be the most likely outcome.
Smith had an incredible season in 2024. The tight end caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, setting career-highs in catches and yards. Smith also earned his first-and-only Pro Bowl bid.
In Pittsburgh, Smith could reunite with Arthur Smith, who was his head coach in Atlanta and offensive coordinator in Tennessee. Smith is the offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, and tight ends are heavily utilized in his system.
The Steelers have Pat Freiermuth on the roster already, so adding Smith would give the team one of the league’s best tight end duos. This is a move the Steelers could make if they don’t trust former third-rounder Darnell Washington or Connor Heyward to take over the TE2 role.
Because Smith will be a free agent after the 2025 season and isn’t at minicamp, the Steelers could likely pick the tight end up for a mid-round draft pick.
That would be a worthwhile gamble as the Steelers try to maximize their potential with Rodgers under center.
