logo
Steelers' Connor Heyward dismisses Jonnu Smith trade rumors — questions his fit on offense

Steelers' Connor Heyward dismisses Jonnu Smith trade rumors — questions his fit on offense

Yahoo11 hours ago

It's safe to say one Steelers tight end isn't thrilled by the recent Jonnu Smith trade rumors.
Connor Heyward, who serves as a FB/TE hybrid for the Steelers, isn't sold on how well Smith fits the offense — as the Dolphins Pro Bowler would enter an already crowded TE room with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Advertisement
PennLive's Nick Farabaugh was caught up with Heyward — and the young Steeler explained why the trade rumors make little sense:
"We all see it, but let's be honest. It would be complicated having him and Pat. They're kind of the same type of tight end,' Heyward said. 'They both got to have 100 balls a year thrown their way. You've seen that. We all have produced — me, Darnell, and Pat. If that was to happen, we'd welcome it, but at the same time, we know Pat's our guy right now."
Heyward wasn't finished there, however, as he continued to tell Farabaugh that the Steel City runs through Freiermuth — and that the trade is unlikely to happen:
"People aren't just saying Muth for no reason. Pat's here. If that was happening — and I don't think it's going to happen — but Pat's here."
Advertisement
Insider Adam Schefter recently reported that the Steelers were back in trade talks with the Dolphins regarding Smith — and if he were acquired by Pittsburgh, Heyward may have some explaining to do.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Connor Heyward criticizes Jonnu Smith trade rumors

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Now or Never For Eagles' Young Cornerback
Now or Never For Eagles' Young Cornerback

Yahoo

time13 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Now or Never For Eagles' Young Cornerback

Now or Never For Eagles' Young Cornerback originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles have spent plenty of draft capital on defensive players out of the University of Georgia. Jalen Carter, Nakobe Dean, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith, and Smael Mondon Jr. are just some of the more recent names who have been selected by Philadelphia in the draft process recently. Advertisement And there is one more Georgia player who was a part of their National Championship defense ... Cornerback Kelee Ringo was Georgia's top defensive back during their title-winning days. He was taken by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2023 draft and has sat behind veterans like Darius Slay and James Bradberry for the last two years. With both veterans gone, it is in a sense "now or never'' for Ringo to prove he can be a starter in the league. In limited action, Ringo has been pretty good at the cornerback position. Pro Football Focus graded out his sophomore season at a respectable 65.8. That is considered above average for the cornerback position. Advertisement Philadelphia will not simply give Ringo a starting role. He will be competing with veteran Adoree Jackson for that key role opposite second-year corner Quinyon Mitchell on the outside. It seems silly to think that a player in just his third year in the league is in a "do or die" situation. Especially one as young as Ringo. Despite his two years in the league, he is still just 22 years old. But Ringo isn't just looking to find a home on special teams. He may be Philadelphia's top special-teams player, but Ringo has far bigger goals. Ringo wants to start on the outside. If he can't beat out a player like Jackson—someone who has never played in the Vic Fangio system—then when will it happen? Advertisement He may have a spot on the roster as a special-teams ace, but if he wants to make his mark as a starter, his approach needs to be of the "now or never'' variety. Related: Eagles Legends to Coach Against Each Other at Lincoln Financial Field Related: Eagles' Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean Already Ranked Among NFL's Best CB Duos This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.

Can Eagles' Jalen Hurts Reach New Heights in 2025?
Can Eagles' Jalen Hurts Reach New Heights in 2025?

Yahoo

time16 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Can Eagles' Jalen Hurts Reach New Heights in 2025?

Can Eagles' Jalen Hurts Reach New Heights in 2025? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has done more in his first four years with the team than any other quarterback in club history. Advertisement Since he became a starter in 2021, the Oklahoma product is a two-time Pro Bowler, an All-Pro, has been to the Super Bowl twice, won once, and is a Super Bowl MVP. Few quarterbacks in history have that kind of record throughout their entire career - let alone their first four seasons. As Hurts is preparing for his fifth season as a starter, and sixth in the NFL, expectations around him are split. Some analysts want to see the quarterback take a natural progression as a passer in a similar way that Russell Wilson did when he was a young Super Bowl champion with Seattle. Others look past the numbers altogether. So long as Philly wins, Hurts' legacy will remain elite. When the Eagles took Hurts in the second round of the 2020 draft, they looked at him in a similar light that they did Wilson back in 2012. They weren't able to get the Wisconsin product then, and were hellbent on making sure that wouldn't happen again eight years later. Advertisement It worked out for them. Hurts has been the kind of leader and winner teams beg for in a starting quarterback. Can he reach new heights as a Super Bowl champion now? Hurts' numbers aren't bad. He has a career completion percentage of over 64%, has thrown for close to 15,000 yards, and has an 85:39 touchdown-to-interception ratio. These numbers are good. They can be a whole lot better. That's where Hurts is now. He is a proven winner with the talent around him. If he can improve as a passer and bolster his numbers, his standing as not only one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but the greatest quarterback in franchise history will be unchallenged for good. Advertisement It'll certainly help his future candidacy if he puts up numbers that push for the Hall of Fame as well. Related: Eagles Running Game Plan Takes New Shape In Roster Move Related: Eagles Need 'Now or Never' Approach From Kelee Ringo This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store