For a player who has been quietly waiting for the right moment, Jonnu Smith’s trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers seemed like a fresh start rather than just a routine transaction. Now in Pittsburgh, Smith is positioned to make a real impact on a team hungry to return to championship contention after years of middling results.
Jonnu Smith Sends Powerful Message After Steelers Trade, $12M Extension
This was hardly an unexpected move. According to reports, the Steelers had been pursuing Smith for weeks because they believed he would be the final piece in a puzzle they had been working on for years. Pittsburgh quickly demonstrated its conviction in Smith’s abilities by offering him a one-year, $12 million contract extension after the trade.
The financial commitment speaks volumes about the organization’s expectations. At 6’3″ and 248 pounds, Smith brings a unique combination of size and athleticism that the Steelers have been missing in their offensive arsenal. His ability to line up anywhere on the field makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
This represents potentially the biggest moment of his career. Smith broke his silence a few days after the trade, keeping it brief on social media. He posted a short video on X featuring highlights from his career, from big plays to the behind-the-scenes work that fueled them.
The post came with just eight simple words:
“Create your own narrative. Let’s get to it @steelers.”
Create your own narrative. Let’s get to it @steelers
⚫️🟡 pic.twitter.com/gIuqXH3efN— Jonnu Smith (@Easymoney_81) July 2, 2025
The statement said it all. Smith understands that expectations in Pittsburgh will be high following a career-best 2024 season in Miami, where he recorded 88 receptions, 884 yards, and eight touchdowns. Those numbers represented a career resurgence for the veteran tight end, who had previously struggled to find consistent production in stops with the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons after the Tennessee Titans.
However, Smith won’t be expected to do everything. Instead, he will be expected to perform well in crucial situations, especially with Aaron Rodgers now under center, DK Metcalf stretching the field, and Pat Freiermuth also anchoring the tight end group. The depth at skill positions gives Pittsburgh multiple weapons to deploy in different packages.
Smith Embraces Role Under Mike Tomlin in Team’s Bold 2025 Super Bowl Push
That’s exactly what excites him. Smith joins a scheme under Mike Tomlin that emphasizes resilience, reliability, and playmakers who flourish under pressure. He will no longer be a forgotten weapon or a backup plan. He is now a key part of a two-tight-end look designed to keep defenses guessing and give Rodgers the freedom he needs near the goal line.
The Steelers’ offensive coordinator has already begun implementing packages that showcase Smith’s versatility. His experience in multiple systems throughout his career gives him the football IQ to adapt quickly to Pittsburgh’s playbook.
Smith’s mindset makes this scenario even more compelling. He lets his game do the talking. With this new chapter, he’s revealing just enough to show the world that he recognizes the opportunity and is prepared to seize it. The veteran understands that this could be his last chance to compete for a championship, and that urgency will drive his preparation.
The Steelers are going all in for 2025, and Smith might just be the quiet spark that ignites it all. His presence gives Pittsburgh the flexibility to create mismatches while providing Rodgers with a reliable target who can make plays in traffic. For a team with championship aspirations, Smith represents the kind of proven veteran who can make the difference in crucial moments.
a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan, since the 70’s let me start by saying the Steelers didn’t need to trade for Jonnu Smith and give Jonnu Smith a extension