The Atlanta Falcons are down in Flowery Branch, Ga., and have entered the second week of practices. It's all about getting better as the weeks go on and hitting the ground running when the regular season starts in September.
First-round rookie Jalon Walker has a small hamstring issue that is keeping him sidelined, but they are playing things safe.
While the vibes are good with the Falcons, a former player is already standing out with his new team, and that's tight end Jonnu Smith. Back in June, Smith was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and landed a one-year, $12 million contract upon arrival.
And he's making consistent plays in training camp. During Wednesday's practice, Smith was making catches all over the field. It didn't matter if Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, and Mason Rudolph were throwing him the ball; Smith was bringing down catches.
He mossed DeShon Elliott in 1-on-1s while also reeling in a touchdown from Aaron Rodgers.
#Steelers rookie QB Will Howard fires it to TE Jonnu Smith for a nice play during 11-on-11 at training camp! 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/FrnDsMQWQC
— Steelers Update (@SteelersUpdate1) July 31, 2025
Aaron Rodgers to Jonnu Smith For the touchdown #steelers
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) July 30, 2025
🎥Steelersfans7 pic.twitter.com/lt3HtWUAsa
Former Falcons TE Jonnu Smith Is Making Plays with New Team in Camp
Smith's strong camp comes off the heels of his best career year in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins. Over 17 games with Miami, he secured 88 receptions for 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
And it looks like it's continuing in a new location for Smith. It's also a reunion with his former coach, Arthur Smith. He was Smith's head coach with the Falcons in 2023 while also being his tight ends coach/offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans from 2017-2020.
The two guys have built a good relationship with each other, and it makes sense why the Steelers wanted to add him to the mix.
The Steelers have Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington in the tight end room, but Smith's natural hands and speed at the position make him the best option. And with him already building a rapport with all three QBs on the field shows that he is an open and safe option for them.
Pittsburgh's offense has seen a lot of change over the offseason, as George Pickens was traded away, with DK Metcalf, Rodgers, and Smith being added to the team.
Training camp is huge as these guys play with each other for the first time, but it's obvious that Smith will be a major factor for this team in 2025.