The Smiths have been connected for years now.
Jonnu Smith's first tight ends coach when he entered the NFL with the Titans in 2017 was Arthur Smith, who served in that role for two more seasons before being elevated to offensive coordinator in 2019.
In 2021, when Arthur Smith jumped from Tennessee to Atlanta to become the Falcons' head coach, Jonnu Smith also relocated -- though his path took him to the Patriots for two seasons. Their roads converged again in 2023 when Jonnu Smith signed with the Falcons, a reunion that lasted one year before Arthur Smith was fired and thereafter became the Steelers' OC.
Jonnu Smith? He joined the Dolphins. After a breakout year in South Beach, however, he was sent to Pittsburgh in a three-player trade that produced yet another reunion between the Smiths, one the tight end believes will continue to bear fruit.
"We've had a lot of success together," Jonnu Smith said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "He's going to continue to move that needle, bring the best out of you and demand the best from you. It's why we get along so well."
Jonnu Smith rejoins his former coach coming off his finest year as a pro, one in which he reached his first Pro Bowl and set career highs in receptions (88) and receiving yards (884) while tying his personal-best mark of eight touchdowns.
Such production notably came separate from the familiar coach-TE pairing, but as he said, Jonnu Smith has enjoyed plenty of highs with Arthur Smith, too.
For instance, he caught eight TDs in 2020, their final year together in Tennessee, and with the Falcons in 2023 put up a respectable 50-582-3 stat line despite playing behind Kyle Pitts.
Unlike in Miami, where he was the obvious top TE in an offense that grew increasingly catered toward finding him in short areas as the season progressed, Jonnu Smith will again be part of an ensemble in the Steel City.
Pittsburgh also rosters Pat Freiermuth, likewise an accomplished pass-catcher, and Darnell Washington, a six-foot-7, 264-pound force who's suited for more in-line work and blocking.
"We've all got different skill sets and abilities," Jonnu Smith said. "It comes down to the individual and how is he working on his craft and what's he going to do to get better and fit into the system he's in? We've all been at this level. We've all the ability. We've just got to prove it."
Jonnu Smith's path to proving himself in his new digs has been slowed a bit by a knee issue during training camp, which could potentially hamper his ability to make any immediate impact, but he'll benefit from operating in an Arthur Smith system he's known for years.
However much he's ready to play right away, he'll have that familiarity on his side, ready to contribute in any way he can.
"I'll continue to jump on this moving train, and I'm just ready to get back," he said.
