Jonnu Smith going to the Pittsburgh Steelers was definitely a surprise move for all football fans, including hardcore NFL analysts. While the Steelers may have much faith in their new tight end, the same cannot be said for everyone else, including renowned sportscaster Nick Wright. On Monday’s episode of ‘First Things on First’ on FS1, Wright announced that he definitely did not like Smith’s addition to the Steelers roster.
Wright added that Smith may have had plenty of chances with his former team, the Miami Dolphins, to prove himself; hence the decent numbers. However, the tight end may not get the same treatment with the Steelers and will most likely not make an indent on the team’s success ratings.
“I do not value Jonnu Smith the way, maybe, you guys do. I think that Jonnu is a replaceable player. … His production was not because, all of a sudden, he got much better as a player. He got more opportunities in Miami, given their injuries at the receiver position and what they were dealing with at quarterback during the year, due to when Tua (Tagovailoa) got knocked out. And I just feel like guys like Jonnu are not needle movers on offense. … I don’t understand a lot of what the Steelers have done this offseason. A lot of it does not make sense.” Nick Wright spoke about Jonnu Smith on ‘First Things First’ this Monday.
Jonnu Smith
Jan 30, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC tight end Jonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins during the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge at Nicholson Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Many NFL fans and analysts will definitely side with Nick Wright’s opinions, especially where he states that he does not understand the offseason moves by the Pittsburgh Steelers. On the other hand, the Steelers themselves seem pretty confident with their roster changes and hope to grab the Lombardi trophy in the next Super Bowl.
Jonnu Smith
Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) fights for yards during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jonnu Smith Calls Out Miami Dolphins For Trading Him
Meanwhile, it looks like Jonnu Smith has plenty of hard feelings toward the Miami Dolphins after the team traded him to the Steelers recently. Smith, along with cornerback Jalen Ramsey, was traded to the Steelers in return for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick a few days ago.
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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
Smith recently appeared on Terron Armstead’s podcast, where he revealed that not only was he shocked, but also incredibly hurt that the team would think that their success would come from trading him to the Steelers. Smith also remarked that he hoped to spend the rest of his career as a Miami Dolphins. However, it seems like the Steelers are ready to invest in Smith, both as a player and a person with a sweet $12 million deal.
Source: ‘First Things First’ X account
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