Steelers' Receiving Corps May Replicate Last Season: 'It's Missing Something'

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves with multiple upgrades on both sides of the ball following a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins. The Steelers acquired superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith in exchange for All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Pittsburgh now has one of the better tight end rooms in all of football, and some versatility now on defense. Smith had a career year last season in Miami and Ramsey can play both corner and safety.

Smith may play multiple roles on Arthur Smith's offensive unit, as the dynamic tight end would likely thrive as a slot receiver as well. Despite the presence of Smith, many still believe that Pittsburgh's receiving corps is underwhelming and lacks depth overall, similar to last season. The Steelers have DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin lll available at Aaron Rodgers' disposal, but the team lacks a reliable third option following their top playmakers out wide.

With speculation continuing to surround an underwhelming Steelers receiver room, insider Brian Batko took a moment to share his thoughts on the situation.

"I think when you combine the wideouts and tight ends like we have been doing in this discussion, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth could be argued are a little bit redundant as well," Batko stated. "I think when you just look at the receiving room on paper, it feels like it's missing something for the second season in a row. Jonnu Smith, I've seen people say we think of him as a big slot receiver. How many slot receivers do the Steelers need?"

Batko then went on to go more in-depth on the current receiver room, highlighting multiple slot receivers already on the team's roster.

"They have a tiny one in Calvin Austin. They have a medium sized one in Roman Wilson. Now they have a big one in Jonnu Smith," Batko explained.

Smith is expected to emerge as a real weapon for Rodgers throughout training camp, as the former Dolphin may become a true receiving option behind Metcalf and Austin throughout the 2025 season. Metcalf, who was acquired at the beginning of the offseason in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, is an elite wide receiver who has already solidified himself as Pittsburgh's top playmaker on offense. Austin is expected to make a major impact behind Metcalf as well, as the promising receiver will look to thrive as he enters the final season of his rookie deal.

As speculation continues to surround the Steelers' wide receiver room prior to the start of training camp, General Manager Omar Khan and his staff are expected to remain active on the free agency market in hopes of adding depth at the position. Veteran free agents like Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen remain available, as the addition of either would instantly add another weapon to the Steelers' offense. As questions revolving around the depth in Pittsburgh's receiver room continue to run rampant, fans should continue to monitor the Steelers' activity on the market in the final weeks leading up to training camp.

Steelers' Jonnu Smith May Have Multiple Roles On Arthur Smith's Offense

With Smith and Ramsey officially in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are expecting both stars to make a major impact on the team in 2025. Smith exploded last season posting 884 yards over 88 receptions in Miami, as the former Dolphin should face no problem picking up right where he left off last year. An eight-year veteran, Smith has proved to make an impact throughout his career and should quickly become a major beneficiary of Rodgers' presence as well.

Smith will join a tight end room that already features Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, as the veteran could potentially see time at wide receiver as well. Smith has thrived throughout his limited time at wide receiver in the past, as his elite speed and athleticism have allowed him to shine throughout his career. As Smith prepares to take on multiple roles on the Steelers' offense, fans can expect to get their first glimpse at Pittsburgh's newest tight end practicing in full pads at the start of training camp.