Steelers' Latest Trade Rumors Involving Pro Bowl Tight End Jonnu Smith Are Expected To Collapse

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently find themselves with unanswered questions at multiple positions on offense. After trading star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a third-round pick, the Steelers now lack major wide receiver depth outside of DK Metcalf. Metcalf, who was traded to Pittsburgh in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to play a crucial role on the Steelers' offense in 2025.

With a reliable wide receiver two (WR2) yet to be established in Pittsburgh this offseason, the Steelers have been tied to many rumors on both the trade and free agency markets over the past few weeks. One rumor that continues to circulate all throughout the NFL world is a possible trade involving Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. Smith, who had a career year with the Miami Dolphins last season, is an elite tight end that has the ability to run routes similar to a wide receiver. 

With recent news confirming that Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. will miss the entire 2025 season with a torn Achilles, many believe that the move may emerge as a realistic option. NFL analyst Ray Fittipaldo, however, believes otherwise.

"I know last week there wasn't too much to that Jonnu Smith report," Fittipaldo stated. "Now, did things change because of the injury yesterday? I don't know if that's the reason the Steelers are revisiting that one. Listen, they did carry four tight ends last year, MyCole Pruitt was there, he was more of a blocker. he was a guy that wasn't really used more as a receiver."

Despite the optimism, Fittipaldo went on to speak about how realistic a trade for Smith actually is.

Several questions still remain as to if an acquisition like this would actually happen this offseason.

"Smith would be certainly a different type player, they would have to fit that within their cap, they just got done paying Pat [Freiermuth], I'm not sold that's going to happen," stated Fittipaldo.

Fittipaldo's statement should not come as a surprise to many, as Pat Freiermuth has solidified himself as the Steelers' clear cut starting tight end over the past few seasons. With a trade involving Smith continuing to look unlikely, the Steelers are expected to add an offensive weapon in the near future elsewhere. As multiple quality wide receivers remain available in free agency, the Steelers have reportedly scheduled a visit with free agent wide receiver and former Jacksonville Jaguars wideout, Gabe Davis. 

Steelers Expected To Pursue Multiple Playmakers In The Near Future

Davis, who had somewhat off a down year in his first season as a Jaguar, would be a solid option and would add legitimate depth behind Metcalf. The former Bill shined throughout his four seasons in Buffalo, and may be in dire need of a new landing spot for next season. He ended up tearing his meniscus in Jacksonville in 2024, but with the Jaguars owing the veteran $24 million in guaranteed money, his next destination should be extremely affordable for the team pursuing him. 

Other current top free agents still include names like Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper. However, it's not clear whether they're on the Steelers' radar right now or not.

Despite Fittipaldo's bold claim though, the Steelers are still reported to be in the mix on Smith by multiple trusted sources. Also despite a larger need for depth at other positions outside of tight end, Parham's injury may prove to play a major role in the Steelers' decision making moving forward. With multiple questions remaining unanswered entering mandatory minicamp, the Steelers are expected to add offensive depth in the near future.