The Pittsburgh Steelers recently acquired tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins via a trade with the AFC West team, signaling their commitment to being all-in for 2025.
That move, along with the signing of Aaron Rodgers and the trade acquisition of receiver D.K. Metcalf, should be a sign that the Steelers believe they can win it all in this very small window with the 41-year-old Rodgers.
On a recent episode of Terron Armstead's new podcast, Smith revealed that he and Ramsey had some conversations about possibly joining Pittsburgh and playing for coach Mike Tomlin.
"Me and [Jalen Ramsey] chopped it up before this happened," Smith said. "We chopped it up before this happened. He obviously knew the situation that he was in in Miami and felt that it was time for him to move on. We chopped itup one-on-one about what potentially could be as rumors were floating around. We're like, 'Bro, if this thing really goes down, if this thing really happens, Pittsburgh is a team that's historically going to be always be in the dance. It's just maybe a couple missing pieces like us that can fill all that void and get over that hump."
"One thing that we both admired about the situation was culture. The culture that Mike [Tomlin] established. I can't wait to play for him."
Smith will enter his ninth year in the league next season and he's posted 307 receptions for 3,307 yards and 28 touchdowns. Last season, he posted career highs with 88 catches and 884 yards while tying his career-best eight touchdowns. He also made his first Pro Bowl.
Ramsey will enter his 10th season in the league. The seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro will be joining his fourth team in the league after being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, then moving to the Rams in 2019 and the Dolphins in 2023.
The former Florida State Seminole has registered 534 total tackles with 432 solo and 27 for loss. He has added three sacks, two fumble recoveries, six forced fumbles and 24 interceptions with one pick-6 across 135 games and 134 starts.