Steelers Set To Spark Major Backlash As Jonnu Smith Emerges As 2026 Option

The Pittsburgh Steelers created plenty of excitement and optimism when General Manager Omar Khan pulled off a blockbuster trade to land both Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith ahead of the 2025 season. Ramsey immediately grabbed headlines because of what he was expected to bring to Pittsburgh’s defense, giving the secondary another proven veteran with star power and versatility. Still, Smith may have been just as intriguing, if not more, because the Steelers’ offense badly needed another reliable big-bodied pass catcher who could help elevate the passing game.

Many believed Smith was positioned to play a major role in 2025 after coming off a career 2024 campaign with the Miami Dolphins, but things never quite clicked in Pittsburgh. Instead of building off that momentum, Smith struggled to recreate the same impact and was largely a non-factor throughout much of the season. He ultimately finished the year with just 38 catches for 222 yards and two touchdowns, numbers that fell well short of the expectations that came with his arrival.

After one disappointing season, Pittsburgh moved on from Smith following the 2025 campaign in a decision that saved roughly $7 million against the salary cap. While it appeared that chapter was officially closed, there may still be a path to a reunion. According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, a significant miss during the 2026 NFL Draft could leave Pittsburgh searching for veteran help at tight end again, potentially opening the door for the Steelers to consider bringing Smith back for the 2026 season.

"Nonetheless, the Steelers’ failure to draft a pass-catching or in-line tight end was curious, considering they only have two after the departures of Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward," Dulac said.

The Steelers were heavily connected to a big-bodied tight end throughout pre-draft discussions, with Kenyon Sadiq frequently mentioned as a potential target. Much of that speculation was fueled by what Dulac had been hearing leading up to the draft. That is what makes his comments immediately after the draft so noteworthy, especially with Dulac going as far as calling Pittsburgh’s failure to land a pass-catching tight end a legitimate miss.

The Steelers still have Pat Freiermuth and, of course, Darnell Washington in the tight end room, but there are still questions about the overall depth and receiving upside at the position. With both Connor Heyward and Smith no longer on the roster, Dulac believes Pittsburgh may need to revisit the veteran market to add another proven option.

That is where Smith’s name becomes interesting again. The veteran tight end is still a free agent entering the 2026 season and remains available if the Steelers decide to explore a reunion. Still, many fans likely would not be thrilled by that possibility considering how much Smith struggled to carve out a meaningful role with Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh’s offense in 2025.

Steelers May Be Set After All At TE

Whether the Steelers actually revisit Smith likely depends on how comfortable they feel with their current tight end room entering training camp. Pittsburgh clearly believed adding another receiving threat was worth exploring before the draft, which is why missing out on that type of player could still linger as an issue. However, in Mike McCarthy's offense, maybe they don't need another pass-catching tight end in their mind.

Bringing Smith back would not exactly energize the fan base, especially after his underwhelming 2025 season, but it could offer familiarity and veteran depth at a position that suddenly looks thinner than expected. If the Steelers do not make another move before camp, Dulac’s comments may end up being more than just post-draft speculation after all for Pittsburgh.

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