Before officially signing Aaron Rodgers to be their quarterback for the 2025 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers had their eyes on a few offensive weapons that could help maximize the potential of Arthur Smith's offense in 2025. We knew the Steelers had multiple trade inquiries involving Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith. Now we know Pittsburgh expressed interest in Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts.
On Friday, Ian Rapoport joined Good Morning Football, where he subtly revealed that Pitts was one of the players the Steelers' front office called about recently in their search to add another playmaker to the offense.
"They've inquired about some other weapons, and I know we're talking about receivers, talking about pass catchers," Rapoport said on Good Morning Football. " They've had their eyes on some tight ends, too. Jonnu Smith, there was a phone call there. Kyle Pitts, there was a phone call there. The Steelers are in the market, it seems, for at least one more playmaker."
This something I wrote about recently, and it the connection makes too much sense to ignore.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should go all out to add Kyle Pitts for new QB Aaron Rodgers
The relationship between Arthur Smith and Kyle Pitts is easy to spot. Pitts was Smith's fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, where he earned a 1,000-yard season and Pro Bowl honors as a 21-year-old rookie. Apart from his sophomore season, plagued by injuries, Pitts is coming off the worst season of his career in 2024. Iroically, this came in his first season without Smith.
With the Steelers clearly going all in on a chance to compete in the playoffs during the 2025 season, Pittsburgh must add another offensive weapon to avoid falling short in the postseason again. Pitts is the perfect answer.
At 6'5' 5/8'' and 245 pounds with 4.4. speed, Pitts can play outside wide receiver or work the slot as an 'F' tight end. Last year, Pitts struggled with drops and had a poor success rate, but this was largely attributed to poor usage, as he was forced to play a career-high number of snaps as an inline 'Y' tight end. This simply isn't his game.
Instead, Pitts is best when he can stretch the field and body up against smaller defenders. Essentially, Pitts could be used as Rodgers' new Allen Lazard.
Here's the best part: Pitts is still just 24 years old as he gets set to play on the fifth-year option. The uber-talented offensive weapon wouldn't just be a trade for a present, but he'd also be a potential building block for the future to whomever the Steelers find at quarterback after Aaron Rodgers.
Because of Pitts' age, former Pro Bowl status, and the impressive flashes he has shown, the Atlanta Falcons may not be willing to part with the young offensive weapon for less than a Day 2 pick. Fortunately, the Steelers are set to have three third-round selections in next year's draft, and sending one of these picks should be enough to get a deal done. Pitts will also require a contract extension, but salary cap space won't be an issue, nor is cash spending.
Ian Rapoport made it clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers were making calls to find an offensive weapon, and Kyle Pitts is the hybrid receiver-tight end who could return to form in Arthur Smith's offense with Aaron Rodgers throwing him the football.