Behind the Steel Curtain
The Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the flashiest moves of the NFL offseason by acquiring All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith for Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Trading for Smith felt like somewhat of a throw-in, considering the magnitude of the other two players dealt, both on Hall of Fame paths.
That’s far from the truth. Smith is coming off his most successful season as a pro. Smith set career highs in catches (88), yards (884), and tied his career mark in touchdown catches (8). He will turn 30 on Friday.
Smith played under Arthur Smith in Tennessee and Atlanta before signing in Miami last year.
Appearing on NFL Live on Friday, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler noted that the Steelers are going to significantly use two tight ends in their offense, even on third-and-long situations.
“When I visited Steelers camp and talked to people over there over the last few weeks, it’s obvious they are going to use Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith a ton,” Fowler said.
Freiermuth caught 65 passes for 653 yards and a career-tying seven touchdowns in 2024. The Steelers have gone as far as toying with three and four tight ends on the field.
“One player told me, ‘Hey, we might even be 3rd and 8, 3rd and 10, and we’ll roll out 12 personnel.’ That’s how comfortable Aaron Rodgers and Arthur Smith have become with those tight ends.”
Freiermuth and Smith are listed as co-starters on the Steelers depth chart. Darell Washington is also designated a starter as the Steelers opted to designate two tight end and two wide receiver slots.
Fowler mentioned questions regarding who can step up following DK Metcalf, Freiermuth, and Smith, noting Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson.
“They need those guys (Austin and Wilson) in a big way,” Fowler said.
Freiermuth and Smith are not expected to play in Saturday’s home preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 7:00 p.m.
Washington caught the Steelers’ first touchdown of exhibition play from Mason Rudolph last week in Jacksonville. Heyward is considered a bubble candidate, but it feels likely he will make the team.
The 2025 season begins on Sept. 7 at MetLife Stadium against Justin Fields and the New York Jets.
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