The Pittsburgh Steelers are wasting no time adjusting their roster as the NFL offseason begins to take shape. According to reports from ESPN, the franchise is moving on from veteran tight end Jonnu Smith after just one season in the Steel City. The move marks a sudden end to a tenure that began with high expectations following a trade last summer.
A Short-Lived Tenure in Pittsburgh
The decision to move on from Jonnu Smith comes as a surprise to some, given the investment the team made to acquire him. Smith arrived in Pittsburgh via a trade with the Miami Dolphins last summer, a move intended to provide the Steelers' offense with a versatile, veteran playmaker at the tight end position. However, after just one season wearing the black and gold, the Steelers have opted to release the veteran and explore other options for their offensive depth chart.
During his time with the Steelers, Smith was expected to complement the existing talent in the tight end room, bringing a mix of speed and run-after-catch ability that has defined his career in the NFL. Despite the veteran presence he provided, the Steelers' front office has decided that a change is necessary as they look toward the upcoming season and the management of their active roster.
Analyzing the Steelers Release of Jonnu Smith and the Depth Chart
With the Steelers release of Jonnu Smith, the focus now shifts to the remaining players in the tight end room. Pittsburgh has invested heavily in this position over the last several years, and the departure of Smith likely signals a commitment to their younger core. The current tight end group includes:
- Pat Freiermuth: The clear lead tight end and a primary target in the passing game.
- Darnell Washington: A massive physical presence known primarily for his elite blocking abilities and potential as a red-zone threat.
- Connor Heyward: A versatile hybrid player who contributes as both a tight end and a fullback.
By releasing Smith, the Steelers may be looking to clear both roster space and cap flexibility. In the modern NFL, managing the salary cap is a year-round exercise, and veteran releases are often the result of a team weighing a player's production against their scheduled salary. While Smith brought a unique skill set to the field, the Steelers appear confident in the trio of Freiermuth, Washington, and Heyward moving forward.
Jonnu Smith’s NFL Journey and Career Impact
Jonnu Smith has long been regarded as one of the more athletic tight ends in the league. A former third-round pick out of FIU, Smith rose to prominence with the Tennessee Titans, where he became a favorite target due to his ability to turn short passes into long gains. His success in Tennessee led to a high-profile free-agent contract with the New England Patriots in 2021.
Since leaving New England, Smith has spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins before his brief stint with the Steelers. Throughout his career, he has accumulated over 3,000 receiving yards and more than 20 touchdowns, proving to be a reliable veteran presence in multiple offensive systems. At 29 years old, Smith will now enter the free-agent market, where his experience and physical tools are likely to draw interest from teams in need of tight end depth.
What is Next for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
The release of a veteran like Smith is often the first of several moves a team makes to refine its roster ahead of the new league year. For the Steelers, the priority remains surrounding their quarterback with the right mix of protection and playmaking. While the tight end position remains a strength thanks to the presence of Freiermuth, the front office will likely continue to evaluate the market for value additions that fit their physical style of play.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the Steelers utilize the resources gained from this move. Whether through the NFL Draft or subsequent free-agency signings, the goal for Pittsburgh remains clear: building a roster capable of competing in the highly competitive AFC North. For now, the Steelers release of Jonnu Smith stands as a reminder of the business side of the league, where even established veterans can find themselves looking for a new home after just a single season.
Sources & Original Reporting
