The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for answers in the weeks after trading receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. With a handful of veteran free agents available at receiver, there are plenty of options to comb through.
However, the Steelers have also gotten creative. The team reportedly investigated diving deeper into 12 personnel by checking in on Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith.
Instead, Pittsburgh is pivoting to hosting Gabe Davis on a visit (per Adam Schefter) and is a safe bet to keep exploring buy-low receivers.
On WSVN-7, Smith’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, responded to the potential Steelers interest.
"Here's what I will say on behalf of my client: Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami," Rosenhaus said, via the Miami Herald. "That's his first choice. This is where he lives in the offseason. He had a record-breaking season last year. It was the best season ever for a Miami Dolphin tight end. ... He broke the team record for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns for a tight end and was the team's single Pro Bowl player. He's an incredibly valuable part of this team. ... He went to college at FIU.”
It’s worth considering what Smith or a similar addition would do for Pittsburgh’s offense. Pivoting to 12 personnel lessens the load on a weak receiving corps, especially if Calvin Austin III proves to be capable of playing on the boundary despite his size.
Starting tight end Pat Freiermuth is a viable starter, and Smith has long been the apple of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s eye. The former is versatile enough to play in-line and in the slot, and Smith’s ability to make plays over the middle of the field and after the catch mimics a receiver’s impact. With Darnell Washington adding an imposing blocking presence to the line, the Steelers could remain multi-faceted, even with heavier personnel on the field.
Last season, Smith had the best season of his career, hauling in 88 catches for 884 yards and eight scores. With lesser quarterback play and opportunities, he’d be in line to take a step back with the Steelers. In either event, a trade doesn’t seem likely, and Miami is a far better fit for Smith than virtually anyone else.
“His dream team is the Dolphins. Hopefully, everything works out where he can stay in Miami."