When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for tight end Jonnu Smith, it was supposed to solidify the passing attack and give quarterback Aaron Rodgers a versatile weapon. Unfortunately, that never happened and Smith had no place in the Steelers offense. Now, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, the Steelers plan to cut Smith after just one season.
Smith was a player we immediately identified as a ceiling player at the end of the season. Releasing Smith would save the Steelers $7 million in salary cap space and leave $3.8 million in dead money on the books. This season, Smith has caught just 38 passes for 222 yards and only 2 touchdowns.
The move would make Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington the top tight ends under contract with the team. Connor Hayward is set to become a free agent, a move that could signal his return in 2026. Smith’s reunion with former Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith didn’t pan out, but now the Steelers have more than $50 million in salary cap space when free agency begins next week.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers to release TE Jonnu Smith
