The Pittsburgh Steelers made league-wide headlines when they acquired star cornerback Jalen Ramsey in a trade with the Miami Dolphins that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick the other way, but it must not be ignored that Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith was also included in this blockbuster deal.
Smith, who had been linked to Pittsburgh often after a breakout season in Miami, was included in the swap after contract talks between him and the Dolphins broke down. In need of more weapons in what will likely be Aaron Rodgers' final season, Pittsburgh has officially gone for broke.
Smith can't wait to strut his stuff for the Steelers, posting "God always do (sic) it in the best way" along with the black and yellow heart emojis on social media after the trade. Smith is all in and ready to help the Steelers reach that elusive seventh Super Bowl victory.
Jonnu Smith posts on social media after trade to Steelers
The Miami-bred FIU alum had his best pro season in his return to South Florida, as Smith caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. Before his lone season in Mike McDaniel's offense, Smith had never caught more than 50 passes or 600 yards in a season.
Smith will again be linked up with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith had served as both his position coach and offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans before acquiring him via trade when he became head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. For whatever reason, Smith fawns over Jonnu.
After the trade, Smith will try to work in tandem with established starter Pat Freiermuth. Expect plenty of two tight-end sets, as Freiermuth's more traditional skillset and Smith's high-end receiving ability should make for a nice combination on a team that is still lacking in pass-catchers.
It remains to be seen if the Steelers will give Smith an extension, as contract talks breaking down are exactly what led to the standout tight end being traded in the first place. Luckily for Pittsburgh, they have the luxury of being able to cross that bridge when they come to it, unlike Miami.
Smith's effectiveness in Pittsburgh will be determined by how well he integrates himself with Rodgers, who will assuredly assert dominion over the offense. If he can do that, and Ramsey is as good as advertised, this will be one of the great trades in recent NFL history.