Steelers insider's prediction for notable offseason move should relieve fans

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 offseason plan simply failed. In fact, it failed so badly that it led to the now-former head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down from his position. They went "all-in" acquiring veterans such as Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Rodgers, Darius Slay and Kenneth Gainwell. While these players weren't all "fails," it's likely that under new head coach Mike McCarthy, some of these guys won't be back for the 2026 season. McCarthy has left the door wide open for Rodgers to come back, but not everyone will get that privilege. There's one guy in particular who the Steelers will most certainly move on from.

Tight end Jonnu Smith was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins for Smith and Ramsey. Smith was meant to serve as an additional high-end playmaker on offense due to his unique athleticism. Smith and Rodgers couldn't find any sort of consistent chemistry, however, and it took snaps away from fan-favorite Pat Freiermuth. Smith was a constant drive killer whenever the Steelers tried to get him the ball. Despite all of this, Smith still led Steelers tight ends in snaps. 

Steelers insider Gerry Dulac was asked by a fan in his recent chat transcript who he thought the Steelers would look to trade or release this offseason. Dulac gave a telling answer that should leave fans somewhat relieved.

"Well, I think they will start with a [tight end] who was brought in this season," Dulac said.

Smith was brought in because of his relationship with now-former offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Smith was also coming off a career year in catches, yards and tied his career high in touchdowns in Miami. Even with that, the move just never made sense for Pittsburgh. The team already had two established tight ends with the emergence of Darnell Washington. 

With the offense being so reliant on yards after catch, Smith should have fit the offense perfectly. Now with McCarthy at the helm, there's little chance Smith comes back in 2026. 

Steelers have another tight end who could be an odd man out

With McCarthy bringing a new offensive system, which he said will be a West Coast-style offense, that leaves Washington in a tough spot. Washington has mostly been a blocking tight end because of his huge size. With McCarthy running more 11 personnel, it will be hard for Washington to get on the field this season and Freiermuth resumes his TE1 role. Washington played 57% of the team's snaps this 2025, but that's not likely to happen again next season in the new system.

Washington was used as a receiver more this season, but even with Freiermuth's lack of production, it was clear that Freiermuth was the better receiving option. Washington will still be a useful player; his run-after-the-catch ability is undeniable. He's also easily the team's best blocking tight end, and he will have to be in on some run plays. The team will most likely run a little more 12 personnel than what McCarthy typically does, but expect Freiermuth to out-snap Washington. 

Washington is entering a contract year. With his snap count likely set to drop in 2026, the Steelers will likely hesitate to pay Washington. They have Freiermuth locked up until 2028, so Washington would be behind him for the foreseeable future.