Steelers' released $12 million playmaker could draw interest from Giants and Eagles

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a move that everyone expected them to, and that move should pique the interest of the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Steelers announced on Thursday that they have released tight end Jonnu Smith, who was on a one-year, $12 million deal.

After receiving his first Pro Bowl nod in a career year with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, Smith came crashing back down to Earth in Pittsburgh last season, finishing with just 222 yards and two touchdowns.

Not all of that was Smith's fault, however. The Steelers simply had too many tight ends, with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington also in the room, and it felt like Pittsburgh just couldn't figure out how to use Smith properly.

If used correctly, Smith is a big-play threat who could offer a true difference-maker for any offense.

We would suspect the Giants and Eagles will at least consider signing Smith, as both teams have a need at tight end.

New York has a promising young tight end in Theo Johnson, but Big Blue needs a veteran complement for him, as the jury is still out on Johnson. The Giants must also add more weapons for Jaxson Dart.

In Philadelphia, Dallas Goedert is expected to hit the open market this offseason and there is no guarantee the Eagles will be able to keep him. Smith isn't the blocker Goedert is, but he is a superior playmaker.

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