The Pittsburgh Steelers are opening up cap space.
Pittsburgh won the AFC North this season but was eliminated in the playoffs by the Houston Texans. Ahead of the offseason, the Steelers have plenty of holes to fill. So, the team made a move to sav $7 million in cap space ahead of free agency.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on X on March 4 that the Steelers are set to release Jonnu Smith.
“Steelers are releasing tight end Jonnu Smith, per sources. The move will save the Steelers $7 million against the cap and Smith now will become an unrestricted free agent,” Schefter wrote on X.
The Steelers acquired Smith last June, along with Jalen Ramsey and a 2027 seventh-round pick, from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Smith was coming off a stellar season with the Dolphins, as he was named to the Pro Bowl. He recorded 88 receptions for 884 yards and 8 touchdowns in the best year of his career.
However, Smith struggled with the Steelers as he had just 38 receptions for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns. Once the move becomes official, Smith will hit the open market and be a solid depth tight end option for teams.
Smith Experiment Didn’t Work in Pittsburgh
The Steelers acquired Smith in a low-risk move from the Dolphins to give Aaron Rodgers and the offense another weapon.
However, Smith struggled to fit into the offense. The Steelers, also, had a hard time finding targets for him and Pat Freiermuth. So, after his disappointing first year, Smith’s name came up as a potential cut casualty.
Pro Football Focus’ Thomas Valentine named Smith as one of the top cut candidates.
“Whether it’s Jalen Ramsey, Patrick Queen, or Jonnu Smith, the Steelers have a few different paths they can take to open up cap space,” Valentine wrote. … “Smith averaged 4.6 yards after the catch per reception in 2025. The lowest mark of his career. And his 46.8 PFF grade was 74th out of 75 tight ends.
“Cutting Smith would take on $3.8 million in dead money but free up $7 million in cap savings. He still has a lot to give somewhere else. But with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington both on the roster, and Arthur Smith out the door, a place for Smith is harder to justify.”
With Freiermuth and Washington on the roster, the Steelers opted to move on from Smith after just one season.
Steelers Getting Trade Calls on Veteran TE
Not only did the Steelers release Smith, but the team is also getting trade calls on Freiermuth.
Steelers insider Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reported that multiple teams have called Pittsburgh about trading for the tight end.
“At least six teams would be interested in exploring the idea of acquiring tight end Pat Freiermuth, according to a league source,” DeFabo wrote. “However, at least right now, teams are being told he’s not available. Fellow tight end Jonnu Smith’s situation seems a bit more fluid. The Steelers are still in the process of understanding what a changing offensive philosophy will mean for personnel.
“When Khan was asked if the way Freiermuth and Smith were utilized justified having two top-10 players at the same position, he said the Steelers are in a fine cap situation to keep both.”
After the Steelers opted to release Smith, whether or not the team has interest in trading Freiermuth is to be seen.
Steelers Make Cost-Saving Move By Releasing Pro Bowl Offensive Weapon