Steelers Now
ESPN’s Adam Schefter doesn’t see a Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh Steelers trade as likely, despite recent speculation connecting the veteran tight end to the Steelers following a key injury with Donald Parham.
Appearing on the Rothman and Ice radio show, Schefter addressed rumors that the Steelers might pursue Smith after Chargers tight end Donald Parham suffered a season-ending torn Achilles during OTAs.
“I don’t know that the two were necessarily related,” Schefter said. “But if you lose a tight end to a season-ending torn Achilles, it certainly doesn’t hurt to inquire about the availability of Jonnu Smith. Could he still be traded to Pittsburgh? Yes. Do I think it’s likely? Probably not, but they are checking into it.”
A deal would make sense on paper. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has long favored multiple tight end sets to create leverage in the run game and build a complementary play-action package. Smith coached Jonnu in both Atlanta and Tennessee, making him a natural fit in Pittsburgh’s offense.
Interest in Smith seemed to gain traction when news broke that Parham had torn his Achilles on Day 4 of OTAs, potentially creating a market shift. But despite the buzz, Pittsburgh’s front office has not moved aggressively, at least not yet.
Smith is not the only tight end the Steelers have been connected to. There have also been whispers of interest in Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, though that remains speculative and far less realistic from a trade-value standpoint.
Even with those rumors swirling, the Steelers may already feel comfortable with their current tight end group. Pat Freiermuth returns as a proven pass catcher, and third-year tight end Darnell Washington has reportedly shown noticeable improvement this offseason. Now 10 to 15 pounds lighter, Washington has been moving better in OTAs and appears primed for an increased role in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are still exploring ways to upgrade their receiving corps. Wide receiver Gabe Davis visited the team this week, suggesting Pittsburgh could be looking to add another veteran pass catcher after the departure of George Pickens. Davis, a former Bills starter, brings size, vertical speed, and playoff experience, making him an intriguing fit in Arthur Smith’s offense.
There are still plenty of questions surrounding the Steelers’ passing game. It remains unclear whether Aaron Rodgers will be under center by Week 1. The WR2 job is also unsettled, though rookie Roman Wilson has reportedly made a strong impression in OTAs.
Still, there are reasons for optimism. If Washington continues his upward trajectory and young receivers like Wilson take a step forward, the Steelers could quietly field a more balanced and dangerous offense than many are projecting.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Schefter: Steelers Still Unlikely to Land Jonnu Smith
