Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Steelers Release Veteran TE After One Season

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jack Markowski | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 7:16 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their second cut this week as they gear up for free agency.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh has released tight end Jonnu Smith ahead of the final year of his current contract.

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. pic.twitter.com/KEMIFKg9jQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2026

The Steelers will free up $7 million as a result of the move, and Smith is now headed to the open market after coming over in a trade with the Miami Dolphins last offseason.

Smith's Underwhelming Tenure in Pittsburgh

Arriving alongside Jalen Ramsey in that aforementioned deal, which sent Minkah Fitzpatrick the other way, Smith was expected to step into a sizable role upon reuniting with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, as the pair previously spent time together with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons.

Smith simply never settled into a groove in Pittsburgh, however, and closed out the year with only 222 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 38 receptions while being on the field for just 52 percent of the team's offensive snaps.

The Steelers are now left with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, who finished the season on the reserve/injured list with a broken arm, as the only tight ends left on the roster.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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