The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to work on building the ideal offense for whoever ends up as the starting quarterback in 2025. The arrival of DK Metcalf early in the offseason fueled speculation that a veteran like Aaron Rodgers could take over under center this year.
Now, there may be yet another addition on the way before the season kicks off. According to insider Adam Schefter, the Steelers are in talks to trade for a veteran tight end coming off the best season of his career and someone who has previously played under Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator.
Steelers Reportedly Eyeing Dolphins Tight End Jonnu Smith
Pittsburgh’s offense for 2025 remains a work in progress, giving the team room to make more moves before the season begins. Beyond bringing in Metcalf, the Steelers traded away wide receiver George Pickens, signed Robert Woods in free agency and drafted running back Kaleb Johnson.
One area that still needs help is the tight end spot behind Pat Freiermuth, who has yet to truly emerge as a top offensive weapon. Adding another tight end would let the Steelers use more 12 personnel, formations with two tight ends, which could be especially useful if Mason Rudolph ends up starting in 2025.
The Dolphins have had trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers about their lone Pro-Bowl selection last season, tight end Jonnu Smith, per league sources. Those talks came after Smith expressed an interest in reworking his deal that is scheduled to pay him $4.8 million this… pic.twitter.com/t4G8DqsF6s
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 29, 2025
According to Schefter, the Steelers are engaged in talks with the Miami Dolphins to acquire veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, who is coming off the best season of his NFL career with 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Smith is reportedly seeking a pay bump from the $4.8 million he’s due from Miami this season.
Why the Move Could Make Sense for Pittsburgh
Smith began his career with the Tennessee Titans in 2017 and spent his first four seasons under Arthur Smith, who is now the Steelers’ offensive coordinator. Smith worked with him first as a tight ends coach from 2016 to 2018 and then as offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2020, making this potential reunion a natural fit.
Steelers OC Arthur Smith LOVES Jonnu Smith. He had him as a young player in Tennessee and then again with Atlanta. https://t.co/UKTUMcGWo9
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 29, 2025
A deal likely wouldn’t cost the Steelers much in draft capital and could involve a short-term contract that restructures Smith’s current deal while giving Pittsburgh an option to keep him through 2026.
The Steelers finished 25th in the PFSN Offense+ Metric last year and have leaned on their defense to stay in games. No matter who ends up as the starting quarterback, surrounding him with reliable and productive weapons will be key. Smith could be the kind of steady presence this offense needs.
It’s also worth noting that the Steelers have reportedly shown interest in wide receiver Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints. It’s a sign that there’s a clear internal effort to retool the offense, which still lacks a solid core heading into 2025.