As Steelers fans are trying to digest the trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami and will bring Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh, there’s an underrated part of the trade that may end up having a big impact on the upcoming season.
In addition to Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro, the Steelers acquired tight end Jonnu Smith. Even though the addition of Ramsey is the headline of the deal, Smith has the potential to be the tipping point in the trade that makes it a complete win for Pittsburgh.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds by ESPN, Smith, 29, who spent the 2024 season in Miami, will now provide Aaron Rodgers with another option on offense. In fact, Smith is coming off a breakout season, catching 88 passes for 884 yards and scoring eight touchdowns, a significant jump from the 50 receptions and 582 yards he produced in 2023 as a member of the Atlanta Falcons.
Smith will join incumbent Pat Freiermuth to form a one-two punch that has the potential to be one of the most dangerous tight end duos in the league, especially within offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system, one that relies on the run game setting up short passes to move the chains.
And to dispel thoughts about any possible dissension between two similar players, Freiermuth reached out to 93.7 The Fan host Donny Chedrick to offer a simple “I’m pumped” reaction.
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