Jonnu Smith Reportedly Released By Steelers, Updated Salary Cap for NFL Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers are moving on from a veteran tight end.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers are releasing Jonnu Smith after his sole season with the team. The move will save Pittsburgh $7 million against the cap, meaning the Steelers will have around $50 million in cap space heading into free agency, per Spotrac.

Smith, a third-round pick by the Titans in 2017, spent the first four years of his career in Tennessee, followed by two years with the New England Patriots. He then played for the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins and Steelers in consecutive years.

He was traded to Pittsburgh last June, alongside safety Jalen Ramsey, in return for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Smith struggled a bit in Pittsburgh, recording just 54 receptions for 222 yards in 17 games, marking one of the worst statistical years of his career. The 2025 campaign was especially disappointing, considering he was coming off a 2024 season that saw him record a career-high 884 yards and eight touchdowns to earn his first Pro Bowl nod.

Now set to hit free agency, Smith will look to bounce back from the down year in Pittsburgh and get back on track.

The Steelers, meanwhile, are hoping to put together a successful offseason in preparation for Mike McCarthy's first year at the helm. The biggest question right now is at the quarterback position.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who had a solid 2025 campaign, said Wednesday that he's had communication with the coaches and front office, but he hasn't made his decision on whether to retire yet.

"I've been spending a lot of time with my wife, we went on a ski trip, been laying low. … I've talked to [Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy], I've talked to [general manager Omar Khan]," Rodgers said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "There's no deadline put in front of me, no contract offer to debate over."

If Rodgers decides to retire, the Steelers can pivot to one of the quarterbacks on their roster, Mason Rudolph or Will Howard, or find a replacement externally.