Jonnu Smith
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Jonnu Smith didn't hold back when discussing Darnell Washington after getting released by the Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers still have work to do when it comes to their offense, as they still need to figure out what’s going on at the quarterback position. And yet, while Aaron Rodgers keeps dragging his feet when it comes to making a final decision on his football future, the front office has been hard at work revamping the roster early on this offseason.
One guy whose future with the Steelers already received some clarity this offseason was veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, who was picked up in a trade with the Miami Dolphins less than a full year ago. That didn’t stop Smith from getting released, as the team seems set to give fellow tight end Darnell Washington more responsibilities moving forward. In the wake of the move, Smith decided to pull back the curtain on his relationship with Washington.
Jonnu Smith Dishes on Darnell Washington
Jordan Schultz
Former #Steelers TE Jonnu Smith has all the praise in the world for TE Darnell Washington and his future in Pittsburgh:
“We play the same position and he makes me look like a mouse. … There’s not a comp out there for him.”
Fresh off a Pro Bowl campaign in 2024 with the Dolphins (88 REC, 884 YDS, 8 TD), Smith was picked up in a blockbuster trade ahead of the 2025 campaign. The hope was that Smith could make a similar impact in the passing game, but with Pittsburgh having four tight ends earn snaps, they all essentially ended up canceling each other out.
While Pat Freiermuth was consistently the top option at tight end, Washington’s sudden emergence seriously cut into Smith’s production. The big-bodied tight end eventually took on a bigger role on offense, both as a receiver and a blocker, as the year went on, and he ended up finishing the year with 31 receptions for 364 yards and a touchdown.
Once the offseason rolled around, it wasn’t much of a surprise to see the Steelers move on from Smith. With Connor Heyward also departing in free agency, that leaves Pittsburgh with Freiermuth and Washington as its top two tight ends. If you ask Smith, he thinks Washington is on track to continue becoming a more and more important piece of the team’s offense.
“Great football player. He had a hell of a year, made a lot of great plays,” Smith said of Washington on “The Schultz Report.” “Darnell is probably the biggest teammate I’ve ever played with … We play the same position, and this dude is next to me, he making me look like a mouse. … There’s not really a comp out there, and I think he’s in a league of his own.”
Steelers Hoping Darnell Washington Can Continue to Improve in 2026
Darnell Washington, Denver Broncos
GettyDarnell Washington #80 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens.
Washington’s agility for a guy of his size (6’7, 264 lbs) is quite impressive, and it’s not a surprise to see that the Steelers want to find a way to utilize him more moving forward. Pittsburgh is also attempting to balance out its roster after having a plethora of tight ends last year, but not enough wide receivers. That’s why the team acquired Michael Pittman Jr. in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts and decided to move on from both Smith and Heyward.
Smith should be able to find a new home with another team at some point this offseason, but there’s a chance in guard taking place in the tight end room for the Steelers. Washington showed a glimpse of what he’s capable of in 2025, and if all goes according to plan, a true breakout campaign could be in store for him when he returns to action next year.