Nick Sirianni Jonnu Smith
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CBS Sports Bryan DeArdo named the Philadelphia Eagles a potential landing spot for recently released tight end Jonnu Smith.
The Philadelphia Eagles are likely going to have to replace veteran tight end Dallas Goedert this offseason. If the Eagles want to do that with another veteran tight end, one just became available — Jonnu Smith.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the Pittsburgh Steelers released Smith on Wednesday night. The move saved Pittsburgh $7 million in cap space.
Less than 24 hours after the Steelers cut Smith, CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo named the Eagles a potential landing spot for him.
“Philadelphia’s top three tight end — Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra and Kylen Granson — are slated to enter free agency. Smith would surely be a welcomed sight for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who followed up his Super Bowl MVP season with a 2025 season that fell short of expectations,” wrote DeArdo.
“The one thing that may prevent this scenario from happening in Smith’s reputation as a mediocre blocker. Given the Eagles’ penchant for running the ball, Smith would have to improve that facet of his game.”
Smith is coming off a disappointing season with the Steelers. But in four of his last seven NFL campaigns, he’s reached at least 400 receiving yards. In 2024, he made the Pro Bowl with the Miami Dolphins.
Over his nine seasons, Smith has earned $53.13 million according to Spotrac.
Why the Eagles Could Target Jonnu Smith
Honestly, the reason why the Eagles could pursue Smith is rather simple — necessity.
As DeArdo explained, the Eagles might lose their top three tight ends from the 2025 campaign. Entering free agency, the team has Jaheim Bell, Cameron Latu and E.J. Jenkins remaining on the tight end depth chart.
Those three tight ends have a combined three catches at the NFL level.
Smith would bring veteran experience to a group that will badly need it if Goedert, Grant Calcaterra and Kylen Granson all leave.
Although Smith turned in a disappointing 2025 campaign, he’s just a season removed from his Pro Bowl nomination. During 2024, he posted a career-high 88 catches and 884 receiving yards. He also had eight touchdowns.
Why the Eagles Pursuing Smith Could Be a Mistake
Yes, Smith is just a year removed from a terrific season. But he experienced an historically bad one in 2025.
The Eagles shouldn’t ignore that.
Smith registered just 222 receptions on 38 receptions. Behind those totals, he averaged a putrid 5.8 yards per catch.
The Steelers didn’t use him on vertical routes like the Dolphins did in 2024. But his usage was hardly a fair excuse for his low production.
Smith was back with offensive play-caller Arthur Smith in 2025. The tight end has played for Smith in six of his nine NFL campaigns. The veteran took away playing time from Pat Freiermuth and other Steelers playmakers despite his poor showings most weeks.
DeArdo also may have been kind to Smith, calling him a “mediocre blocker.” According to Pro Football Focus, Smith has been a bad run blocker the past five years.
Based on the PFF player grades, Smith was a very good pass protector from 2022-24. But he struggled in that area during 2025 as well.
With Smith turning 31 years old in August, it appears unwise to bet on the veteran improving in that area during 2026.
Smith might help replace Goedert in the red zone. During 2025, Goedert scored 11 touchdowns.
That’s what could make Smith to the Eagles a possibility. But it might only happen if Philadelphia fails to add other superior tight end options first.