On March 4, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant roster decision by releasing tight end Jonnu Smith, marking their first major move of the offseason. This change, aimed at streamlining the team’s tight end corps, solidifies Pat Freiermuth‘s central role moving forward. The Steelers’ decision reflects a strategic adjustment designed to balance their offensive personnel and manage salary cap space efficiently.
Cutting Jonnu Smith saves the Steelers over $7 million against the salary cap, although the team will incur nearly $3.9 million in dead money charges. Despite already having over $40 million projected in cap space for 2026, the move signals a focus beyond finances, addressing the crowded tight end group that hampered roster flexibility last season.
Background on Jonnu Smith’s Tenure with the Steelers
Jonnu Smith joined the Steelers last offseason in a high-profile trade involving Miami Dolphins and significant player swaps, including cornerback Jalen Ramsey and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Pittsburgh expected Smith to flourish in an offense previously coordinated by Arthur Smith, known for featuring tight ends heavily. However, Smith was unable to replicate his peak production from Miami, where in 2024 he recorded 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. In Pittsburgh during the 2025 season, he managed just 222 yards and two touchdowns on 38 receptions.
Before arriving in Pittsburgh, Smith was a third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2017 and played for multiple teams, including the Patriots and Falcons. His initial promise disintegrated into a role that lacked the impact he once showed, prompting the Steelers’ move to release him.
Impact on the Steelers’ Tight End Group
Last season, Pittsburgh’s tight end room was crowded with Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Connor Heyward, and Darnell Washington all vying for playing time. Managing two highly paid tight ends, Smith with a $10.9 million cap hit and Freiermuth signed to a sizable four-year, $48.4 million extension in 2024, presented challenges. This overlap limited Freiermuth’s snaps and offensive involvement, despite his emerging talent and investment from the team.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan underscored Freiermuth’s importance during the NFL Combine, reassuring stakeholders about his role in the offense. Furthermore, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers publicly praised Freiermuth for his professionalism in handling a reduced role last season. With Smith’s departure and Freiermuth and Washington still on contract, the path is clear for Freiermuth to assume a more dominant role in Pittsburgh’s offense.
Aaron Rodgers’ Endorsement of Pat Freiermuth
Although Jonnu Smith was brought in to bolster the Steelers’ pass-catching arsenal, his presence ironically curtailed Freiermuth’s involvement. Freiermuth’s production, at 486 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2025, lagged behind his 2024 numbers, and he played just 51% of the offensive snaps—the lowest rate of his NFL career. Despite this, Rodgers highlighted Freiermuth’s attitude and work ethic amid the challenges.
Aaron Rodgers calls Pat Freiermuth a ‘true professional’ for the BS he put up with last year, not being more involved in the Steelers offense. Amen to that,
Andrew Fillipino, Host of 93.7 The Fan podcast
Freiermuth is projected to carry an $11.2 million cap hit in 2026, including a roster bonus if he remains with the Steelers by mid-March. Although some teams have expressed interest in acquiring him, Pittsburgh has made it clear he is not on the trading block.
At least six teams would be interested in exploring the idea of acquiring tight end Pat Freiermuth, according to a league source. However, at least right now, teams are being told he’s not available,
Mike DeFabo, Reporter at The Athletic
Roster Decisions Cement Freiermuth’s Future with Steelers
Pat Freiermuth’s reduced role last season generated understandable frustration for the young tight end. Nonetheless, releasing Jonnu Smith eliminates previous competition for time and snaps, confirming the Steelers’ commitment to building their offense around Freiermuth. The organization’s firm stance on retaining him reaffirms their long-term vision following the significant contract extension they awarded in 2024.
This roster move signals a shift toward a tighter, more focused offensive unit where Freiermuth can resume his position as a key contributor. The Steelers’ decision highlights their preference for developing homegrown talent while managing salary cap concerns and positional depth carefully.
What This Means for the Steelers’ Offense in 2026 and Beyond
With Jonnu Smith no longer part of the roster, Pat Freiermuth is poised to become the undisputed top tight end for Pittsburgh. This change grants the team greater offensive clarity and the potential to leverage Freiermuth’s skills more fully in various offensive schemes. Although some external interest in Freiermuth persists, the Steelers appear steadfast in their plans to keep him central to their future.
The move is also significant for general manager Omar Khan and the front office as they navigate offseason roster construction, balancing talent, cap space, and team culture. Removing redundancy from the tight end room reduces complexity and allows for better allocation of playing time among emerging players such as Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Pat Freiermuth steps into his enhanced role and contributes to the Steelers’ offensive strategies under new coaching influences. This roster shift marks a pivotal moment for the franchise’s direction at the tight end position.
Jonnu Smith being released seemingly affirms the Steelers’ commitment to moving forward with Pat Freiermuth. The two were somewhat redundant in the tight end room last season, and it led to a smaller role for Freiermuth a season after his extension https://t.co/7j6qXcI5cL
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) March 5, 2026
