First, it was coach Mike Tomlin who downplayed the idea that newest Pittsburgh Steelers offensive acquisition Jonnu Smith was entering a “two dogs, one bone” situation for TE1 duties against incumbent Pat Freiermuth.

Twenty-four hours later on the first day practices at training camp, it was Smith who likewise defused any idea he was out to infringe on Freiermuth’s proverbial turf. And Smith said Freiermuth’s gracious welcome helped in that regard.

“I’m excited to play with Pat,” Smith said Thursday morning from Saint Vincent College. “And when he first got the news (of Smith’s trade to the Steelers), he reached out immediately ASAP. It was a good feeling.

“Listen, Pat has established himself here. And I’m coming to coexist with him. And elevate his game as well as he’s going to elevate mine.”

Freiermuth has been the Steelers’ No. 1 tight end since he was drafted in the second round in 2021, and he’s entering the first season of a four-year contract extension signed last year. In 2025, he will be joined in the Steelers’ tight end-heavy offense by Smith, a nine-year NFL veteran who last season set career highs with 88 catches and 884 yards while getting named to the Pro Bowl for the first time.

“I have been here five years, my contract is representative of how long I am going to be here, and so anyone who they bring in the room, it’s my job to welcome with open arms,” Freiermuth said. “I don’t see it as much as (a competition). I think we will work very well together.”

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) July 24, 2025

Freiermuth noted Smith’s explosiveness after he had eight touchdowns last season. Acquired along with defensive back Jalen Ramsey in a late-June blockbuster that sent former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins, Smith is no stranger to sharing the spotlight at his position with another high-end player.

In 2021, Smith and Hunter Henry joined the New England Patriots on free-agent contracts that averaged $12.5 million per season.

Six weeks after Smith was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, that team used the No. 4 overall draft pick on a tight end (Kyle Pitts).

“I’ve been through this,” Smith said of a timeshare at his position. “This will be my third stint at this. … (He and Freiermuth) are going to make each other better.

“He’s a younger guy than me, and there’s some things that I’ll be able to pass along to him. And I’m excited for it. And listen, man, I ain’t got every tool in the toolbox as well. So I’m always adapting and involved in my game and interested in seeing how he looks at the game and eager to learn from his perspective.”

Smith, for whom the Steelers awarded a $9 million contract for this season, is linking up for a third time with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Arthur Smith was Jonnu Smith’s position coach for his first two NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans in 2017-2018, and Arthur Smith called the plays for Jonnu Smith’s Titans the next two seasons.

Then, Arthur Smith was the Falcons’ head coach in 2023.

“That’s kind of been a part of the story of my career: Art being instrumental in my journey,” Jonnu Smith said. “It’s a good feeling to be back with him.”

Jonnu Smith’s debut in a Steelers uniform was for the most part thwarted Thursday when he participated only in individual drills prior to the first practice of camp. Though coach Mike Tomlin did not provide any detail on what is ailing Smith, Tomlin indicated it was not serious.

Smith’s big numbers in Miami last season were in part the beneficiary of injuries of various degrees to pass catchers such as Tyreek Hill, Odell Beckham Jr. and Jaylen Waddle. With the Steelers’ potentially thin WR corps, there likewise might be more than enough balls to go around for both Smith and Freiermuth to make plays.

“Opps — opportunity,” Smith said in explaining his career-high production in 2024. “That’s what this game is, man. And taking advantage of it.”

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