When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for tight end Jonnu Smith, it was supposed to solidify the passing offense and give quarterback Aaron Rodgers a versatile weapon. Unfortunately, none of that happened and Smith was a man without a position on the Steelers offense. Now, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, the Steelers are planning to release Smith after just one season.
Smith is a player we targeted as a cap casualty immediately at the end of the season. Releasing Smith saves the Steelers $7 million in salary cap space and leaves $3.8 million in dead money on the books. For the season, Smith only had 38 receptions for 222 yards and just two touchdowns.
This move would leave Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington as the team’s top tight ends under contract. Connor Heyward is set to hit free agency and this move could signal his return in 2026. Reuniting Smith with former Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith didn’t work out but now the Steelers have over $50 million in salary cap space when free agency starts next week.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers to release TE Jonnu Smith