The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan must navigate critical roster choices as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season. Decisions regarding upcoming free agents, potential contract extensions, and probable releases loom, with financial considerations tied to the team’s salary cap and recent player performances weighing heavily. Some players, especially those who struggled in 2025 and carry high cap figures, might be candidates for release to free up space.
Tight end Jonnu Smith stands out in this evaluation, as his 2025 campaign fell short of expectations, and he is due to earn over $10 million in 2026. Despite these factors, Khan has remained noncommittal about Smith’s future with the Steelers during recent team discussions.
Khan’s Press Conference Leaves Uncertainty Around Veteran Retentions
During a press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Omar Khan was asked repeatedly about the status of Jonnu Smith. Instead of confirming any plans to part ways, Khan indicated a preference for retaining veteran players currently under contract. According to journalist Chris Adamski, Khan appeared to signal that the organization is amenable to Smith’s return and offered high praise for linebacker Patrick Queen, who is also a key player under consideration for renewal.
Omar Khan repeatedly made it sound like the Steelers are not eager to release any veterans under contract (as so-called “cap casualties”).Multiple times asked specifically about Jonnu Smith, he talked like the team is OK with him coming back.Also highly praised Patrick Queen.— Chris Adamski, Journalist
Khan’s comments also revealed optimism about the Steelers’ salary cap situation. He noted that the club is in a healthy financial position, allowing flexibility for moves that might seem unconventional, including prioritizing the retention of valuable younger players.
“We’re in good cap shape,” Khan said. “So, we have the flexibility to maybe do some things that might not be normal in people’s eyes. The key is just to keep as many of our good players under contract and locking them up. That’s important. I truly believe we have a good, young nucleus of guys that are deserving of second contracts.”
Steelers’ Roster Strategy Focuses on Young Talent Amid Tight Cap Management
Despite Smith’s hefty salary and underwhelming output—38 receptions for just over 200 yards and two touchdowns in 2025—the Steelers appear focused on extending deals with promising younger athletes such as Joey Porter Jr., Nick Herbig, Darnell Washington, and possibly Keeanu Benton. Their contracts could define Pittsburgh’s competitive window, and Smith’s cap charge does not directly hinder these extensions. This perspective may explain the team’s hesitance to move on from Smith quickly, leaving room for potential trade discussions to increase his value elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the tight end room boasts strength with Pat Freiermuth emerging as a reliable starter, as demonstrated in 2025 with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Freiermuth’s presence and the potential return of Connor Heyward add complexity to the decision about retaining Smith, who would represent an expensive investment amid a comparatively crowded position group.
Evaluating Jonnu Smith Within the Steelers’ Future Plans
The Steelers are confronted with a dilemma: retaining Jonnu Smith could strain the 2026 salary cap and prevent opportunities for developing players already showing promise. Smith’s performance metrics and cost position him as a likely cap casualty, despite Khan’s expressed satisfaction with the current roster’s financial outlook.
Bringing Smith back may limit flexibility at tight end and block further integration of younger players who the team believes offer a greater upside. Given this context, the organization is expected to make strategic roster moves that balance fiscal responsibility with on-field competitiveness.
Fans and observers can expect further developments as the Steelers finalize deals and prepare for offseason activities. As always, Steelers Nation remains engaged, sharing perspectives and hoping for a decisive direction that secures the franchise’s success in upcoming seasons.
Omar Khan repeatedly made it sound like the Steelers are not eager to release any veterans under contract (as so-called "cap casualties").
Multiple times asked specifically about Jonnu Smith, he talked like the team is OK with him coming back.
Also highly praised Patrick Queen.— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) February 24, 2026
GM Omar Khan on cap space & more: pic.twitter.com/n6sLykrw62
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 24, 2026
