Analyst Suggests Steelers' Recent Tight End Rumors Are Extremely Misleading

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to find themselves in the center of trade rumors. As speculation continues to run rampant revolving around both the quarterback and receiver rooms, fans may want to keep a close eye on both positions as some murmurs may hold more truth than others. Other rumors, however, may prove to have little to no truth behind them at all, as recent talks revolving around Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith have begun to circulate around the NFL world.

The report, which has been confirmed to be false by multiple trusted sources around the league, was a shock at first as it initially left many fans scratching their heads. Despite the excellent production and talent from Smith, the Steelers' starting tight end role is indisputably occupied by Pat Freiermuth. 

Smith, who was a Pro Bowler in 2024 with Miami, is expected to draw interest from multiple teams around the league in need of a tight end. With rumors continuing to circulate all throughout Pittsburgh and the rest of the football world, Steelers reporter Ray Fittipaldo gave his thoughts on the situation.

"In terms of adding another playmaker, I think you're looking at a receiver." Fittipaldo stated. "I mean the tight end position, people were connecting those dots because of Arthur Smith, but they already got Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, and they got this Donald Parham guy, and Connor Heyward is still on the roster. So I don't think it will be a tight end. If you look at receiver, other than DK Metcalf, there's not a lot of guys with long NFL resumes."

Fittipaldo continued discussing the current situation and mentioned that the offense doesn't have too many individuals that are tenured. It's an extremely young group overall.

"I mean the guy with the longest right now is Calvin Austin lll, and his production last year was good, but it wasn't receiver number two good," Fittipaldo said. "So yeah, I think there's still that possibility that they will add before training camp, but I don't think any moves are going to be made until Aaron Rodgers signs on the dotted lines."

Freiermuth, who has solidified himself as the starting tight end in Pittsburgh over the past four seasons, is an elite playmaker that is expected to play a major role on the Steelers' offense in 2025. Fittipaldo's comments should not come as a surprise to many, as the Steelers lack much more depth at positions outside of tight end. 

Despite being in the market for a true wide receiver two option behind DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh finds itself in a free agency stalemate with one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Aaron Rodgers, who remains without a decision in regards to when he will sign, if at all, continues to hurt the Steelers in multiple ways by taking so long. 

As the team continues to wait for a decision from the four-time MVP, the Steelers continue to evaluate the market in hopes of acquiring receiver depth. With multiple big-name options remaining available in free agency, the team may look to make a move sooner rather than later.

Steelers Could Sign Multiple Big-Name Receivers Still Available In Free Agency 

With speculation around the Steelers' wide receiver room continuing to grow, one name who may emerge as a potential target for Pittsburgh is Amari Cooper. Cooper, who was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills last season, is a five-time Pro Bowl receiver that would prove to be an excellent option behind Metcalf. 

Cooper, who is coming off somewhat of a down year after splitting time between Cleveland and Buffalo, should come as a relatively cheap option for the Steelers and is expected to draw interest from multiple teams in the near future. 

Another name who may emerge as a top option for Pittsburgh is former Chicago Bear Keenan Allen. Allen, who spent a lone season with the Bears last year, would instantly prove to be an elite option behind Metcalf. A six-time Pro Bowler, Allen would make a major impact on the Steelers offense and would provide Metcalf with much more space to work with.