Surprising Reunion For The Steelers Could Be Coming

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been loading up their roster this offseason. They acquired Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle on offense, both of whom are definite upgrades for the team. While the Steelers still have an urgent need at quarterback, and on their left side of the offensive line, things are looking up as a whole. For once, the offensive skill positions shouldn't be a weakness heading into a season. The franchise still has less urgent needs however, such as depth at wide receiver and tight end. Wide receiver will likely be addressed in the 2026 NFL Draft, coming on day one or two. Tight end, on the other hand, may have an easier and cheaper fix. 

In 2025, General Manager Omar Khan made a blockbuster trade when he sent All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a fifth-round pick in exchange for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. The main attraction of the trade was Ramsey for Fitzpatrick, but Smith had high expectations as well. The former Miami Dolphins standout was coming off a career season and was a favorite of former offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Jonnu played for the new Ohio State offensive coordinator, Arthur, for three different teams in the NFL. Many thought Jonnu would flourish under Arthur in Pittsburgh because of their familiarity, but that just wasn't the case in 2025.

Jonnu was used very poorly in 2025; he got a lot of manufactured touches. He and Aaron Rodgers were often not on the same page, whether Rodgers would miss him, or Jonnu would simply just drop the ball. Very little good came from the now free agent. Jonnu was solid once he had the ball in his hands, typically off handoffs from jet sweeps, but there was just zero consistency in the passing game. 

With Connor Heyward signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, the team will need a third tight end/gadget player moving forward. A reunion with Smith on a cheaper contract could now actually be in play for the Black and Gold. The former Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons pass-catcher is 30 years old and is only one season removed from an 884-yard season with 8 touchdowns. He was often forced down Steeler Nation's throat in games with screen passes that went nowhere. However, with Mike McCarthy and Brian Angelichio running the offense now, perhaps they could get more out of the Florida International product. 

Steelers Have Easy Replacement For Heyward's Offensive Production

Since he was drafted, Heyward was often seen as a guy selected only because of his old brother, Cam Heyward. He didn't play much offensively until 2025, when he was an important part of the team's short-yardage package. The former Michigan State Spartan is primarily a special teamer, and a solid one at that. Obviously, Heyward will need to be replaced on special teams, but Smith could slot into that gadget player role on a veteran's minimum salary. It could be his only option if he wants to keep playing. 

As previously mentioned, Smith is 30, but will be 31 in August. After the season he just had in Pittsburgh, he won't have teams lining up for his services. He had an unreasonably high cap hit for his production level, playing at $12 million. His production at that price was unreasonable, but he could get a fresh start. Smith is also a high-character player. Despite all the criticism he received over the season, he never complained. 

The team has 12 draft picks to work with this upcoming NFL Draft. All of them likely won't be used, which means they may not have room for a late-round tight end. Perhaps bringing Smith back on a veteran minimum contract could help him and the Steelers.

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