After months of rumored interest, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally acquired Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins on Monday, reuniting with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. According to Mark Kaboly, the offense has a unique plan for utilizing the offensive weapon. As Kaboly points out, the Steelers view Smith as a tight end, slot receiver, and fullback.
What I have been told is the Steelers’ view Jonnu Smith as a TE, a slot WR, and a fullback — they will use him in a very hybrid way in Arthur Smith’s offense.
AND they see Jalen Ramsey as an outside corner, slot corner, AND he can take some snaps at safety.@PatMcAfeeShow
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) June 30, 2025
Also Read: Pittsburgh Steelers: Add 7x-Pro Bowler in Blockbuster Trade
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive weapon desires a new contract
Pittsburgh Steelers, Omar Khan
Jul 27, 2023; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan addresses the media prior to the start of training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jonnu Smith held out of the Miami Dolphins’ mandatory minicamp because he wants a new contract and is currently the 32nd-highest-paid tight end. The offensive weapon enters the final year of his two-year, $8.4 million deal, and he is set to earn a $3.49 million base salary and a $4.64 million cap hit in 2025. It would be logical to extend Smith before training camp begins and a potential holdout ensues.
Also Read: Miami Dolphins: Key Offensive Playmaker Skipping Mandatory Minicamp
Pittsburgh Steelers secure newcomer through the 2026 season
Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC tight end Jonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins (9) carries the ball against NFC free safety Xavier McKinney of the Green Bay Packers (29) during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC tight end Jonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins (9) carries the ball against NFC free safety Xavier McKinney of the Green Bay Packers (29) during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to Ian Rapoport, the Steelers and Jonnu Smith have agreed to a contract extension. As Rapoport points out, the deal is for one year and is worth $12 million, making him under contract through the 2026 season.
Sources: The #Steelers are trading for #Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith, acquiring one of OC Arthur Smith’s favorite weapons. Pittsburgh has been searching for a new pass-catcher and now land one.
He gets a 1-year, $12M extension done by Drew Rosenhaus, as well. pic.twitter.com/kGB2LBf7zm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 30, 2025
Fans react to the news
Pittsburgh Steelers fans
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers fans cheers against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
TELL OUR GM TO SIGN A WR2 PLEASE
— 😈shawn😈 (@SaiyanLune) June 30, 2025
Coach Art loves him some Jonnu. 🙄
— ATL or Nothin’ 🎙️ (@ATLorNothin) June 30, 2025
AYEEEE
— NFL_Reportz (@ReportzNFL) June 30, 2025
Steelers won the trade
— Manuel Venegas (@MVenegasTX) June 30, 2025
Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth are cooked.
— Malcolm FleX (@Malcolm_fleX48) June 30, 2025
This is wild
— Blitz Sports Media (@BlitzSM_) June 30, 2025
Wow Jonnu is a stud!
— VFAM (@vfam_meta) June 30, 2025
Arthur Smith’s offense favors a high-volume TE – his system in Atlanta averaged 8.2 targets/game for the position. Steelers needed that reliable outlet, but $12M is steep for a TE who graded below 65 in red zone efficiency last year. Good fit, questionable price.
— Liam | AI-Powered Sports Bettor | Self-Learning (@bets_liam) June 30, 2025
We making moves, watch out (still going 10-7)
— Here We Go Sports Talk (@Herewegosports7) June 30, 2025
Bro what is going on??😂
— cartersportsreports (@CarterReports) June 30, 2025
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