Jonnu Smith’s Game-Changing Performance: Highlights, Stats & Fantasy Impact for Week 6

Jonnu Smith’s Steelers Surge: Why Pittsburgh’s Hybrid Tight End Is Suddenly a Fantasy Football Must-Watch The Pittsburgh Steelers invested significant draft capital and system redesign to pry Jonnu Smith from Miami this summer, betting that Arthur Smith’s scheme could revive the veteran tight end’s after-catch explosiveness. Six weeks into the 2025 campaign, that gamble is paying off—and fantasy managers are scrambling to add the 30-year-old playmaker ahead of a juicy Week 7 clash with the Browns. A Bigger Role in Arthur Smith’s Position-less Offense Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Smith hasn’t been limited to an in-line role. He has lined up in the slot on 43 % of his snaps and even taken eight snaps out wide, a direct reflection of coordinator Arthur Smith’s plan to “use him as a TE, a slot WR and a fullback” in a modern hybrid attack. The alignment creativity has already yielded 27 receptions, 248 yards and three touchdowns—numbers that eclipse his entire 2024 total in Atlanta. Why Week 7 Could Be a Breakout Cleveland ranks 29th versus tight ends, surrendering 73.4 yards per game to the position. With Diontae Johnson still nursing a hamstring strain, Smith is in line for a target bump coming out of Pittsburgh’s Week 5 bye. Sports Illustrated’s latest Start ’Em/Sit ’Em column lists Smith as a top-10 tight end play against the Browns’ zone-heavy coverage. An Emotional Catalyst: Wayne Smith’s Imminent Release Off the field, the tight end is drawing motivation from his older brother Wayne, who is scheduled for release from SCI Fayette next July after serving 15 years. Jonnu calls 2025 “the most important season of my life,” citing a desire to be at his professional peak when Wayne walks free. Teammates say the storyline has galvanized the locker room, and coaches credit Smith’s enhanced work ethic for his sharper route running and improved pass protection. Red-Zone Chemistry With Aaron Rodgers The surprise summer trade that delivered Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh has injected precision into the short-area passing game. Rodgers has a 133.8 passer rating when targeting Smith inside the 20, and all three of Smith’s touchdowns have come on option routes where his veteran QB trusted him to find space against linebackers. Rest-of-Season Outlook With Pittsburgh’s schedule featuring four bottom-half tight-end defenses between Weeks 7-12, Smith has a realistic path to his first 60-catch, 700-yard season. His dual eligibility (TE / WR in several fantasy platforms) only boosts his value, especially in PPR formats where his 17 % target share trails only George Pickens on the team. Bottom Line Jonnu Smith is no longer a touchdown-dependent dart throw. He is the centerpiece of a reinvented Steelers offense, motivated by family, empowered by scheme, and aligned with a Hall-of-Fame quarterback. Fantasy managers and Steelers fans alike should buckle up—Week 7 could be just the beginning of Smith’s late-career renaissance in Pittsburgh.