Steelers Acquire Jonnu Smith in Ramsey-Fitzpatrick Swap: Why the Veteran TE is a Perfect Fit for Aaron Rodgers
After weeks of back-and-forth interest, the Pittsburgh Steelers have finally landed veteran tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. The Pro Bowler arrives in Pittsburgh as part of the blockbuster Jalen Ramsey–Minkah Fitzpatrick trade.
Smith now joins a revamped Steelers offense that has undergone significant transformation this offseason. The team previously acquired DK Metcalf from the Seahawks in March and quickly handed him a five-year, $150 million extension. Smith may be the final major piece, but he’s far from a footnote.
Steelers’ Longstanding Interest
Reports of Pittsburgh’s interest in Smith surfaced even before the arrival of Aaron Rodgers, signaling that Smith may have been targeted as part of a broader plan to lure the four-time MVP to the Steel City. Though he ultimately joined the team after Rodgers, Smith’s acquisition underscores the franchise’s all-in approach for 2025.
Why Jonnu Smith Fits in Pittsburgh
1. Explosiveness After the Catch
Smith is coming off a career year in Miami:
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88 receptions
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884 yards
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8 touchdowns
All were either career highs or tied bests. And it wasn’t just raw production—Smith was a weapon after the catch.
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5.8 YAC (yards after catch) in 2024 — 4th among tight ends with 50+ catches
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7.1 YAC in 2023 — 3rd among his peers
In contrast, Pittsburgh’s tight ends ranked 23rd in YAC last year, making Smith a dynamic addition to a group currently led by Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
2. Synergy with Aaron Rodgers
With Rodgers behind center, Smith becomes a critical asset. Rodgers averaged just 6.9 air yards per attempt last season—tied for the lowest in his career—and prefers to get the ball out quickly. His 4.8 air yards per attempt to tight ends was a career low.
Smith is a perfect match:
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4.9 air yards per target last season
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Excellent short-area receiver who can turn quick throws into chunk gains
Rodgers will value Smith’s reliability and ability to work as a first-read option or safety valve.
3. Depth and Versatility in the TE Room
Pittsburgh’s wide receiver group beyond Metcalf remains uncertain, making a deep tight end group even more important.
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Freiermuth is a 6’5” target with strong vertical ability (65/653/7 in 2024)
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Washington is essentially a sixth offensive lineman and a promising young blocker
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Smith brings motion versatility: used as a TE, slot receiver, and even fullback in Miami
According to reporter Mark Kaboly, the Steelers plan to deploy Smith in all three roles—providing offensive coordinator Arthur Smith a Swiss Army knife in his playbook.
4. Familiarity with Arthur Smith
Jonnu Smith thrived under Arthur Smith during stints in both Tennessee and Atlanta. In 2023, he even overtook Kyle Pitts as the Falcons’ most productive tight end. Arthur Smith is known for heavy two-tight end sets—Pittsburgh ran the 5th-most multi-TE formations in the NFL last year.
Now with Smith, Freiermuth, and Washington, the Steelers can:
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Use Smith on passing downs
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Use Washington in run-heavy formations
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Deploy Freiermuth in all situations
The offensive versatility should help mask limitations at wide receiver and support Rodgers in both the passing game and protection schemes.
Bottom Line:
The Steelers’ acquisition of Jonnu Smith isn’t just about adding another name—it’s a strategic move that checks multiple boxes for an offense in transition. With Rodgers under center, Metcalf stretching the field, and Arthur Smith calling plays, Jonnu Smith could quietly become one of the team’s most impactful additions of 2025.