The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo notes the shift under head coach Mike McCarthy could see Smith moved on in 2026, either via trade or release. Smith posted 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns in 2025, down from 88 catches for 884 yards and eight TDs in 2024, and played roughly 52% of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps. Freiermuth also saw a reduced role (51% snap share in 2025), with Washington remaining part of the mix and Connor Heyward contributing as well, illustrating the crowded tight end landscape.
Pittsburgh’s cap position helps the decision. With roughly $45 million in available space, the Steelers could maneuver, especially given Smith’s contract structure. He signed a one-year extension worth $12.01 million, carrying a $7 million base salary for 2026 and a $3.873 million prorated signing bonus. If a trade remains unlikely, a release would clear about $7 million in cap space but incur about $3.873 million in dead money, potentially making a release the cleaner path.
If Pittsburgh can’t find a trade partner, the likelihood leans toward releasing Smith to realign the room under McCarthy and free up cap space ahead of the 2026 season. Clarity on Smith’s status could emerge soon as the Steelers assess their options in a reorganizing offense.
