The Pittsburgh Steelers made top headlines on Thursday morning when NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed they were in serious trade talks with the Miami Dolphins. These discussions involved the 2024 Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith possibly being traded to Pittsburgh. Smith is coming off the best season of his career and, at 29 years old, the Steelers believe he could help fill the offensive gap left by the George Pickens trade. His experience and athleticism could add a much-needed dynamic weapon to the offense.
While many Steelers fans viewed the interest in Smith as a positive sign, one Steelers insider found the move puzzling. Mark Kaboly called it "interesting" because tight end Darnell Washington has been showing significant promise during Organized Team Activities. Washington’s progress has been a bright spot, and some expected him to take a larger role in the offense this year.
This apparent contradiction has raised questions about the team’s plans at tight end. If the Steelers are willing to pursue a veteran like Smith, it may signal they aren’t fully confident in Washington’s readiness as a pass catcher or that they want to add immediate experience. Either way, the trade talks have added a new layer of intrigue to the Steelers’ offseason as they work to rebuild their offense.
Kaboly’s immediate reaction likely left many Steelers fans confused. Washington was drafted primarily as an elite blocking tight end because his production as a pass catcher was not what got him selected. Yet in limited opportunities so far, Washington has shown flashes of ability as a receiving threat. This progress has led some fans and insiders like Kaboly to believe the Steelers might try to involve him more in the passing game moving forward. Other insiders don't view Washington as a tight end that needs more targets.
However, if the Steelers do go through with trading for Smith, it does not necessarily diminish Washington’s role. Washington has made a name for himself with his imposing 6 foot 7 inch, 264 pound frame, though those close to him say he is even bigger than his listed weight. He is a physical, bruising blocker first and foremost. Adding a versatile pass-catching tight end like Smith alongside Pat Freiermuth would immediately strengthen a passing offense that desperately needs weapons.
In essence, Smith’s arrival would complement Washington rather than replace him, allowing the Steelers to field multiple tight ends with distinct strengths. This could give the offense a much-needed boost in both blocking and receiving, providing more options and creating matchup problems for defenses.
Steelers Passing Attack With Jonnu Smith Would Be Scary
The Steelers traded away a star wide receiver in Pickens, but added DK Metcalf before making that move. With Roman Wilson getting healthy and expected to have a breakout year, Calvin Austin III continuing to develop, Freiermuth ready to build on a solid 2024 season, and potentially adding Smith, the Steelers would have several big-bodied pass catchers that could strike fear into opposing defenses. Metcalf, Smith, and Freiermuth all have the ability to stretch the field and create matchup problems.
If the Steelers do complete the trade for Smith, they would likely rely heavily on 13 personnel, using one running back and three tight ends or receivers to maximize their weapons. It will be interesting to watch whether Pittsburgh pulls off this deal. While Smith may not be the exact player fans were hoping for, acquiring him at the right price would still be a meaningful upgrade for the offense.
Now, with weapons shaping up, the Steelers face their biggest question: finding the right quarterback to lead the team forward. All signs still point to Aaron Rodgers, but he hasn't made his decision known. If Rodgers doesn't come, it'll be Mason Rudolph.
