Steelers Gain Cap Space After Jonnu Smith Release

The move frees up $7 million for Pittsburgh ahead of free agency.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released tight end Jonnu Smith, freeing up $7 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season. The Steelers were already in a good financial position, and this transaction provides them with additional flexibility as they look to rebuild their roster under new head coach Mike McCarthy.

Why it matters

The Steelers' salary cap situation gives them the opportunity to be active in free agency and the draft as they aim to improve their team. The release of Jonnu Smith is one of several moves the organization may make to create cap space and position themselves for the upcoming season.

The details

By releasing Jonnu Smith, the Steelers will take on $3.872 million in dead money, but the $7 million in savings makes the transaction worthwhile. Pittsburgh now has $50.016 million in top 51 cap space, the seventh-most in the NFL. The team may also consider restructuring the contracts of players like T.J. Watt, DK Metcalf, and Jalen Ramsey to create additional cap flexibility.

  • The Steelers released Jonnu Smith on March 4, 2026.
  • Free agency begins next week.

The players

Jonnu Smith

A tight end who was released by the Steelers, freeing up $7 million in cap space.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

T.J. Watt

A player the Steelers may consider restructuring to create additional cap space.

DK Metcalf

A player the Steelers may consider restructuring to create additional cap space.

Jalen Ramsey

A player the Steelers may consider restructuring to create additional cap space.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jonnu Smith has, 'been in contact with the new coaches,' and the coaching staff is, 'excited to work with him,'”

— Omar Khan, General Manager (Pittsburgh Steelers)

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to evaluate their roster and make additional moves to create cap space ahead of free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, where they are projected to have 12 picks.

The takeaway

The Steelers' salary cap flexibility gives them the opportunity to be active in free agency and the draft as they look to rebuild their roster under new head coach Mike McCarthy. The release of Jonnu Smith is just the first of what could be several moves to create cap space and position the team for success in the upcoming season.