Freiermuth Leader of Unit

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published July 1, 2025, 8:12 AM

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a quiet but potentially game-changing move by acquiring tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for a third time. The trade, which sent a future late-round pick to Miami, gives Pittsburgh a potent 1-2 punch at tight end and may position them with the deepest unit in the NFL.

With Pat Freiermuth already in place as a reliable target and fan favorite, the addition of Smith brings another layer to Arthur Smith’s offense one that thrives on multiple tight end sets and heavy personnel groupings. Jonnu Smith had his best seasons under Arthur Smith in Tennessee, including a 2020 campaign where he scored 8 touchdowns and averaged over 12 yards per catch. Their familiarity should allow for an immediate plug-and-play impact.

Darnell Washington, the 6-foot-7, 270-pound athletic marvel entering his second year, gives the Steelers a third dimension a mauler in the run game with untapped upside as a receiver. Add in Connor Heyward, who can flex across the formation and contribute on special teams, and Pittsburgh suddenly boasts versatility, size, and experience across its tight end corps.

The Steelers aren’t just stockpiling bodies they’re building an identity. And with Arthur Smith’s offensive blueprint already being implemented in camp, don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh leans heavily on its tight ends to set the tone in 2025.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com