
PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Jonnu Smith turned 30 a couple of days ago and he is the rarity for pass catchers in that his numbers are improving later in his career. Smith is coming off a career high 88 receptions for 884 yards with the Dolphins and now reunites with the Steelers offensive coordinator, with whom his career took a turn two years ago.
Arthur Smith worked with Jonnu at the start of his career with the Tennessee Titans when he would play snaps on special teams as a rookie up through his third year. Arthur then got him in Atlanta, at that point he played no special teams snaps and went from 27 catches and 245 yards in New England immediately to 50 receptions, 582 yards and a career high 26 catches for first down in 2023.
“It’s funny to watch his growth as a veteran player now,” Arthur Smith told 93.7 The Fan. “It’s fun to work with him again to see him at this point in his career. Sometimes I catch myself because he’s not the young guy anymore and I laugh with him about that.”
Jonnu has missed some of camp with some bumps and bruises and the Steelers offensive coordinator admits he’s still working it out with how to best use the NFL’s tight end pass catching leader last year. He has not only Jonnu Smith, but also Pat Freiermuth, who is also coming off a career-high 65 receptions for 653 yards and seven touchdowns. You factor in DK Metcalf along with other potential options, Arthur Smith said coverage will likely dictate where the ball goes, and that would likely change within a game.
Jonnu said he is not concerned as they get ready to start the season. He said it’s up to he and Freiermuth to work that out. It appears they have a relationship that will grow, same with being back with his old OC.
“We’ve had a lot of success together,” Jonnu Smith said of Arthur Smith. “He’s going to continue to move that needle and bring the best out of you and demand the best from you. That’s why we get along so well. Able to answer when my number is called.”
Jonnu said this current Steelers offense has a lot of the same concepts he’s seen with Smith in Tennessee and Atlanta. His comfort level is ‘pretty good’ even with the missed practice time.
“I’ve had a lot of success in my career,” Jonnu Smith said. “I trust his vision, trust his football IQ. He’s been a guy who’s been on both sides of the ball and able to see it from a different perspective.”
If there is a buffer between the two that all on the Steelers offense have respect for it’s 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. For as much as Jonnu is getting used to a new team, multiply that for Rodgers as knew no one. Rodgers has won over the room by being the ‘coolest guys on the team’ along with his work and enthusiasm, and that includes with Smith.
“It’s been great,” said Jonnu Smith. “He’s another genius. Just a guy who loves the game. Learning from him and talking ball with him and see what he’s thinking. He’s a hell of a teammate. I have nothing but good things to say about AR.”
Concern remains for finding a number two receiver, but Smith succeeding with Smith could alleviate some of those worries.