Rodgers trusts new receiver Brandon Smith

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There were days at Steelers training camp, especially when DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman were out, Brandon Smith was the receiver to watch. He was making plays, earning praise from coaches and players.

Then as the veterans got healthy, Smith found himself on the cut list.

The 27-year-old found himself without a job, for the hours the Steelers had to wait to sign him to the practice squad for a second straight season. He just went to work as he has since he joined the league as an undrafted free agent signed by the Mike McCarthy coached Dallas Cowboys in 2021.

The 6’2”, 215-pounder spent two seasons with McCarthy in Dallas, all on the practice squad. After a couple of months with Arizona, Smith had to wait over a year to get another shot, this time with the Jets, where he met Aaron Rodgers.

“He didn't get a lot of shots to play there,” Rodgers said. “He cooked a lot of guys in the [practice] squad. I mean, every single day, B. Smith was making plays.”

Smith signed a Futures contract in January, went through all of the offseason work. There were times at training camp, the night practice one of those days, where Smith was noticeable. And even after not making the final roster, he just went back to work.

“Keep my best foot forward in practice, whether that’s getting reps with the first team, second team or doing scout team stuff, just making sure when the ball is in the air, that I come down with it,” Smith said. “Also, knowing everything in the playbook whether it’s F, Z or X.”

Last Saturday he got promoted to the 53-man roster, 90 minutes before the game found out he was on the active roster and played 16 snaps on offense (27%) including a key block to spring Jaylen Warren for his 50-yard touchdown run.

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“There’s no nerves,” Smith said. “There’s no overthinking. There’s no hesitation with me. I’m going full speed balls to the wall.”

As for the block itself, Smith got a big smile and said he’s an Iowa guy, he knows about blocking.

“He was in there in plays that he didn't get any reps [in] during the week,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio, noting he always has a smile on his face and works hard. “He certainly stepped in and did a great job. I think that's the accountability that you're looking for from these players. You've always got to be ready. When your number is called, you've got to deliver, and Brandon did that.”

“I think he really transformed his body,” Rodgers said. “Lost a little bit of weight, got a little faster. He's a smart guy. He's quiet, goes about his business, very professional. Very, very good in practice. Shows a lot of things.”

“I have a lot of trust in him. Knows the plan every week, even when he's been down, and so I expect B. Smith to be able to step in and play as well as he possibly can.”

“I make sure I’m prepared at all times and when my number is called, I just make sure I’m out there and perform to the best of my abilities,” Smith said.

With Roman Wilson now out at least a month, his rep potential keeps climbing in what could be a career-altering opportunity Sunday.