The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a big part of the NFL news cycle throughout the 2025 offseason, and a lot of that has had to do with the trades pulled off by General Manager Omar Khan. The executive has acquired DK Metcalf and also traded away George Pickens, and he is supposedly still working the phones trying to acquire another offensive playmaker.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Omar Khan shakes hands with Mike Tomlin during the 2025 NFL Draft.
It was reported on Thursday that the Steelers were interested in acquiring tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. This report originally seemed bizarre, as the Steelers already have Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Freiermuth is a pass catcher, while Washington is a fantastic blocker that can be used in some short-yardage situations. On Friday, long-time Dolphins beat-writer Armanda Salguero went on 93.7 The Fan and suggested Washington might be in the deal to acquire Smith.
Longtime Dolphins insider Armando Salguero speculates on @937theFan that Darnell Washington could be part of a Jonnu Smith trade package with the Dolphins. Intriguing. pic.twitter.com/axN3cqx3Bz
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) May 30, 2025
This is all pure speculation, but moving a tight end for another would make the most sense. The room would be far too crowded if it had Washington, Freiermuth, and Smith in it. Smith is a productive pass-catcher, and he could be a great asset to whoever is playing quarterback for Pittsburgh in 2025.
Sam Navarro / Imagn Images
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, #9, enters the field before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 27, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Steelers Would Gain Serious Production At The Tight End Spot
Many fans would probably be upset at the idea of losing Washington, but the organization would be getting a good player in return. The only downside would be that Smith is searching for a new deal after having a Pro Bowl season in 2024. The tight end caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, all while having quarterback uncertainty throughout the year.
He has been successful on multiple teams so far in his NFL career, and he could add the Steelers to that list. A big reason this speculated trade makes sense is because of his history with Pittsburgh's Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.
Mark Humphrey / AP Photo
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, then with the Tennessee Titans, walks off the practice field with tight end Jonnu Smith.
The two could reunite, and Arthur Smith is known to love his tight ends. He could use both Jonnu Smith and Freiermuth quite often, which should make life easier for whoever is lining up under center. The trade definitely isn't necessary, but it could make Pittsburgh's offense better, which is something the organization has struggled with over the last several years.
What do you think about the Steelers potentially moving Washington to acquire Smith? Let us know in the comments below!
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