Smith, 31, began the season at his natural corner spot before moving to safety in an effort to stabilize the defense, though the adaptation did not yield the desired results. On offense, Smith joined a tight end group featuring Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Connor Heyward, creating a crowded room that did not produce a breakout season for any single player.
As The Athletic noted, what was expected to be one of the NFL’s most talented tight end trios in Pittsburgh instead featured two of the league’s top-paid tight ends—Smith and Freiermuth—stretched too thin in a single rotation. The result was another early exit in the playoffs for the Steelers.
If Washington’s defense and front office decide to move Smith, the Commanders could offer a practical fit. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton suggests Washington might target a reliable pass-catcher to complement Terry McLaurin, with Smith serving as a big-bodied option on passing downs. Moton notes Smith’s production in prior seasons could align with Washington’s need for a safety valve behind McLaurin.
From a financial standpoint, the Steelers could manage a potential reduction without a prohibitive cap hit. The dead cap would be about $3.8 million in 2026, with roughly $7 million in cap savings, according to Spotrac. However, any deal would hinge on return compensation and whether Pittsburgh views Smith as a rotational piece worth trading rather than keeping.
Overall, Pittsburgh is exploring options as the new era under head coach Mike McCarthy shifts the roster dynamics. A Smith-for-help elsewhere scenario remains a viable possibility if the Steelers can secure commensurate value that aligns with their 2026 draft-capital plan and long-term needs. This remains speculative, but the potential trade could represent a strategic pivot for both teams as they reassess their personnel mix.
