TE: Jonnu Smith - PIT

2024 Season Summary (Miami Dolphins)

• Games Played: 17

• Receptions / Targets: 88 catches on 111 targets (79 rec on 98 targets in final 13 games)

• Receiving Yards: 884 (52.0 yds/game)

• Touchdowns: 8 (tied for 2nd among TEs)

• Average Yards per Reception: 10.0

• Fantasy Finish: TE4 in Half‑PPR leagues

• Second‑Half Surge: Averaged ~6.9 catches, 67.1 yards, and 7 TDs across Weeks 11–17; posted 18.6 PPR PPG over that span

Conclusion

Smith exploded in Miami, finishing as a top‑tier tight end thanks to elite efficiency, high target volume, and sustained second‑half production.

Trade to Pittsburgh & 2025 Context

• Trade Details: Moved from Dolphins to Steelers on June 30, 2025 (alongside Jalen Ramsey for Minkah Fitzpatrick)

• Contract: One-year, $12M extension

• Coaching Reunion: Will reconnect with OC Arthur Smith, who coached him in Tennessee and Atlanta

• Competition: Shares TE room with Pat Freiermuth; Steelers shift toward 12‑personnel but splitting opportunities

• Offense Style: Steelers favored run under Arthur Smith, ranked 28th in pass play last season and Aaron Rodgers historically has not featured a TE in the passing game

2025 Fantasy Outlook

Positives

1. Offensive familiarity with OC Arthur Smith—he historically runs tight ends heavily

2. Relief of WR pressure: Steelers lack a strong WR2 behind DK Metcalf, meaning TE usage could be prioritized

3. Efficiency remains high: Carrying over 2024’s elite reception and YAC metrics indicates reliable per‑target output

Risks

1. Target dilution: With Freiermuth in the mix, Smith’s ~20% target share from Miami likely drops significantly

2. Run‑heavy scheme: Arthur Smith’s system may limit total pass volume

3. First‑half fade potential: Smith’s production came in a big second‑half surge; replicating that stretch, especially splitting snaps, is uncertain

   
   
   
   

Headliner Take

In 2025, Jonnu Smith enters his first season with the Steelers after a highly productive 2024 campaign with Miami, where he posted 88 receptions, 884 yards, and 8 touchdowns, finishing as a top-5 fantasy tight end. Now in Pittsburgh, Smith reunites with Arthur Smith in a system that historically features tight ends but leans run-heavy. He’ll face target competition from Pat Freiermuth in what’s expected to be a lower-volume passing offense. While his efficiency and familiarity with the scheme are positives, the shared role and offensive philosophy could limit his target share compared to last season, positioning him as more of a TE2 option for fantasy managers.