The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a big part of the NFL news cycle throughout the 2025 offseason, and a lot of that has had to do with the trades pulled off by general manager Omar Khan. The executive has acquired DK Metcalf and also traded away George Pickens, and he is supposedly still working the phones trying to acquire another offensive playmaker.
It was reported on Thursday that the Steelers were interested in acquiring tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. This report originally seemed bizarre, as the Steelers already have Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Freiermuth is a pass-catcher, while Washington is a fantastic blocker who can be used in some short-yardage situations. On Friday, longtime Dolphins beat writer Armanda Salguero went on 93.7 The Fan and suggested Washington might be on the move to acquire Smith.
This is all pure speculation, but moving a tight end for another would make the most sense. The room would be far too crowded if it had Washington, Freiermuth and Smith in it. Smith is a productive pass-catcher, and he could be a great asset to whoever is playing quarterback for Pittsburgh in 2025.
Steelers would gain serious production at the tight end spot
Many fans would probably be upset at the idea of losing Washington, but the organization would be getting a good player in return. The only downside would be that Smith is searching for a new deal after having a Pro Bowl season in 2024. The tight end caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, all while having quarterback uncertainty throughout the year.
He has been successful on multiple teams so far in his NFL career, and he could add the Steelers to that list. A big reason this speculated trade makes sense is because of his history with Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
The two could reunite, and Arthur Smith is known to love his tight ends. He could use both Jonnu Smith and Freiermuth quite often, which should make life easier for whoever is lining up under center. The trade definitely isn't necessary, but it could make Pittsburgh's offense better, which is something the organization has struggled with over the last several years.
