How the Steelers Plan to Use New Acquisitions Jonnu Smith and Jalen Ramsey

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly has the deets.

Then-Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith on Jan 30, 2025. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers' wild offseason continued Monday morning when it was revealed the team had traded All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick for Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, plus a 2027 seventh-round pick.

It was certainly a big-time bombshell deal, one that garnered reactions from plenty of NFL fans (as well as one spicy callout from ex-Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert). The Steelers will be losing perhaps a waning superstar in Fitzpatrick, who has made plenty of amazing plays for the franchise but seemed to struggle a touch last season. And in adding Ramsey and Smith, the Black and Gold receive another versatile defensive back while reuniting Smith with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

It's a huge move for Pittsburgh, whose extremely active front office seems to be going all-in to surround veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a championship-caliber roster. And shortly after the news broke, team insider Mark Kaboly detailed a bit more about how the team plans to utilize its new offensive and defensive weapons.

"What I have been told is the Steelers view Jonnu Smith as a TE, a slot WR and a fullback—they will use him in a very hybrid way in Arthur Smith's offense," Kaboly noted. "And they see Jalen Ramsey as an outside corner, slot corner, AND he can take some snaps at safety."

What I have been told is the Steelers' view Jonnu Smith as a TE, a slot WR, and a fullback -- they will use him in a very hybrid way in Arthur Smith's offense.

AND they see Jalen Ramsey as an outside corner, slot corner, AND he can take some snaps at safety.@PatMcAfeeShow

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) June 30, 2025

So, according to that read, the team plans to use both players somewhat cross-positionally, with Smith possibly stepping in to help at wide receiver (where the Steelers currently need help) and Ramsey possibly assisting at safety, where the team just lost Fitzpatrick.

The TLDR: positional versatility was probably a main factor here, and it sounds like we can expect both players to be utilized in a multitude of ways come the fall.

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