The overwhelming expectation is that the Pittsburgh Steelers will cut ties with veteran tight end Jonnu Smith this offseason.

Smith was acquired in the 2025 trade with the Miami Dolphins that also brought Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh.

However, Smith, who was coming off an electric 2024 season before landing with the Steelers, was very disappointing and is not worth the $12 million contract extension the Steelers signed him to.

Adding to that, the Steelers have a crowded tight ends room with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, which makes it more likely Smith gets the boot.

USA TODAY’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz agrees that Smith is a cut candidate this offseason. Here’s what he said:

Acquired last summer as an added piece in the Jalen Ramsey-Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, the 2024 Pro Bowl tight end figured to help patch up a receiving corps that lacked legitimate threats beyond DK Metcalf. Instead, Smith posted his fewest receiving yards (222) since his rookie campaign, barely making a dent beyond his work as an outlet for Aaron Rodgers. Now, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is out and new head coach – and play-caller – Mike McCarthy is in. Even if Rodgers returns, stomaching a nearly $10.9 million cap hit for a 30-year-old target who only muddles the tight end room shouldn’t be on the table for Pittsburgh. The Steelers should take the $7 million in savings and move on.

When the Steelers cut Smith, three teams that could have interest are the New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles have Dallas Goedert as a pending free agent, and the Commanders are in the same boat with Zach Ertz, who could very well retire after suffering a torn ACL last season.

If both teams want a cheaper alternative who can fill the shoes of those veterans in the passing attack, Smith can check those boxes.

In New York, the Giants need some experience at the position. The jury is still out on Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger is a pending free agent.

New York also needs more weapons for Jaxson Dart and Smith can be a difference-maker if utilized properly.

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