Steelers' Jonnu Smith Expected To Be Used As An Upgrade Over 1 Player From 2024 Roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the entire NFL world with a groundbreaking trade earlier this week. Pittsburgh traded veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in return for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, as the Steelers now find themselves with one of the deeper tight end rooms in all of football. The trade came as a surprise to many, as their was little to no speculation or rumors surrounding a Fitzpatrick deal prior to it happening.

Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is an elite cornerback who should make an instant impact in the Steelers' secondary. Entering his 10th season, the All-Pro has been outstanding at every stage of his career and should have no problem developing chemistry with his teammates and figuring out his role on defense prior to the start of the regular season. Ramsey may become a contributor off the field as well, as the veteran will be an excellent mentor for Joey Porter Jr.

Smith, a Pro Bowler in 2024, is a talented tight end who had a career year with the Dolphins last season. Smith will join a tight end room that already features both Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, as Smith may find himself playing various positions on offense throughout the season. With speculation continuing to surround Smith's role on offense, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac took a moment to share his thoughts on the situation.

"He'll be their third tight end," Dulac stated. "What he is is, he's MyCole Pruitt, but a better version. He's an upgrade over that. He's a guy who can play tight end, he's a guy who can line up at wide receiver, and he's a guy that can line up at fullback."

Dulac then went on to highlight Arthur Smith's need for a player of Smith's caliber, continuing to mention the similarities he sees between Smith and Steelers' former tight end, MyCole Pruitt.

"That's exactly what Arthur Smith wanted when he brought in one of his former players, MyCole Pruitt," Dulac explained. "It's the same thing with Jonnu Smith."

Dulac's comments are surprising to many, as Smith is widely viewed as one of the better tight ends in all of football. The former Dolphin was nothing short of elite in 2024, where he was credited with 884 yards on 88 receptions. Many believe Smith will emerge as a reliable weapon throughout training camp, as Smith's dynamic athletic ability will allow him to play multiple positions at an elite level.

Smith should thrive with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, as the former Dolphin put up excellent numbers despite poor quarterback play following an injury to Tua Tagovailoa. Ramsey is expected to shine on Pittsburgh's defensive unit as well, as the former Super Bowl champion should face no problem picking up right where he left off in Miami. With both Ramsey and Smith officially in Pittsburgh, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and his staff are expected to turn their attention towards adding depth now to the wide receiver room.

Steelers May Add Depth To Receiving Corps Following Fitzpatrick Trade

As DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll continue to solidify themselves as the Steelers' top receiving options at wideout, the team is expected to continue evaluating the free agency market in hopes of adding reliable depth behind their two top playmakers. The team may opt to use Smith as a receiver as well, as the dynamic tight end has the ability to play multiple positions throughout Pittsburgh's offense. With many solid players remaining available on the market, Pittsburgh has been linked to former Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars receiver, Gabe Davis.

With Fitzpatrick officially in Miami and both Ramsey and Smith in Pittsburgh, the Steelers' newest additions are expected to slowly ease their way into things prior to the start of training camp. Regardless of whether or not Pittsburgh adds another receiver like Davis, Smith should truly shine with Rodgers as his quarterback, as the former Dolphin will more than likely work his way up the depth chart rather quickly. Fans should continue to monitor both Ramsey and Smith throughout the offseason, as both are expected to practice in full pads at the end of July.

Are you excited to see Ramsey and Smith play for the Steelers in 2025?