Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be embracing unconventional offensive looks under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, including the rare use of 4 personnel, a formation featuring four tight ends, no running backs and one wide receiver.
The concept is nearly extinct in the modern NFL, but Pittsburgh’s roster may be uniquely suited to explore it. The late offseason addition of veteran Jonnu Smith gives the Steelers a tight end room that also includes Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward. Each offers a complementary skill set and positional flexibility.
NFL personnel groupings are designated by two digits, with the first representing the number of running backs and the second the number of tight ends. While formations like 11 personnel (one back, one tight end) and 12 personnel (one back, two tight ends) dominate most playbooks, 4 personnel removes the traditional backfield and compresses the formation into a rarely used structure.
Washington serves as a powerful inline blocker with tackle-like strength at the point of attack. Freiermuth has the ability to play inline or flex out as a pass catcher. Jonnu Smith, who played under Arthur Smith in both Tennessee and Atlanta, adds versatility as a hybrid tight end and fullback who has even taken handoffs in past schemes. Heyward offers similar flexibility, with the ability to move across formations and contribute in both blocking and short-area receiving roles.
The depth and diversity of this group allow Pittsburgh to shift between heavy and spread looks without substituting, potentially forcing opposing defenses into mismatches or blown assignments. With Aaron Rodgers under center and a restructured offensive identity taking shape, the Steelers may look to deception and versatility to unlock production.
While 4 personnel has no modern precedent as a featured package, Arthur Smith has built his reputation on adapting his system to match the roster. In Pittsburgh, that approach may include fully leveraging one of the deepest tight end groups in the league.
The Steelers spent the offseason making bold moves on both sides of the ball. With a veteran quarterback, a top-tier defense and a win-now mentality, Pittsburgh is betting on creativity and physicality to drive a more consistent offense in 2025. Whether 4 personnel becomes a staple or a wrinkle, it underscores the team’s growing willingness to challenge conventional norms.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Can Four Tight Ends on the Field Actually Work in Today’s NFL?
