### Pittsburgh Steelers Eye Jonnu Smith as Offensive Upgrade Amid Offseason Uncertainty

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly reigniting their pursuit of Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, a move that could bolster their offensive arsenal. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, this development marks another twist in what has been an unpredictable offseason for the Steelers.

Initial trade discussions for Smith started surfacing last week, and by Monday, Smith’s agent Drew Rosenhaus indicated that the Pro Bowl tight end preferred to stay in Miami. However, by Tuesday, ESPN suggested that the Steelers were unlikely to acquire Smith. Schefter's latest update reveals that Smith is seeking a new contract, making the trade a viable prospect once again.

On paper, acquiring Smith appears to be a logical move for Pittsburgh. Smith could be a significant upgrade at the tight end position for the team, especially considering their recent trades for DK Metcalf and the departure of George Pickens. The Steelers are in a period of transition, and the addition of Smith could provide much-needed stability and skill.

At 29, Smith has demonstrated his value on the field. In his debut season with Miami, Smith tallied 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns—all career highs or matches. He was particularly effective after the catch, as evidenced by his 5.8 yards after catch average, which was among the highest for tight ends with at least 50 catches last season.

Smith's potential fit with the Steelers is further highlighted by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old QB has yet to commit to Pittsburgh, leaving Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard as the current options. Adding Smith could show Rodgers that Pittsburgh is serious about building a competitive team around him.

The Dolphins seem to be in a period of rebuilding, with trade talks not limited to Smith. Miami is also considering trading Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and the future of wideout Tyreek Hill remains uncertain. This signals a potential roster shakeup, making Miami open to dealing experienced players like Smith, Ramsey, and Hill, all of whom are nearing the later stages of their careers.

For Pittsburgh, incorporating Smith into their squad could mean a more dynamic tight end room. Smith's ability to perform both as a traditional tight end and in wide receiver roles would complement the existing talents of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Freiermuth excels as a vertical threat, while Washington, a massive presence at 6'7" and 264 pounds, functions effectively as an additional offensive lineman.

Moreover, Smith’s past experience with Steelers' offensive coordinator Arthur Smith could smooth his transition into the team. Arthur Smith has previously coached Smith in Tennessee and Atlanta, where Smith even outperformed former first-round pick Kyle Pitts. This familiarity could be advantageous for the Steelers, allowing them to leverage Smith’s versatility and experience in multiple tight-end formations.

In summary, with Jonnu Smith in the fold, the Steelers would not only enhance their offensive capabilities but also send a strong message to Aaron Rodgers and their fans—they are committed to building a winning team, even in an offseason filled with uncertainty.