Steelers Release Jonnu Smith: Betting Implications of Pittsburgh's Tight End Shakeup
By Oddixa —
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly moved on from veteran tight end Jonnu Smith after just one season, signaling a shift in their offensive strategy and personnel depth.
Pittsburgh Parting Ways with Jonnu Smith After One Season
In a move that underscores the high-stakes nature of NFL roster management, the Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly decided to release veteran tight end Jonnu Smith. Smith, who joined the Steel City via a trade with the Miami Dolphins last summer, finds himself back on the open market after a single campaign in black and gold.
While Smith brought a veteran presence to the locker room, his departure signals that the Steelers' front office is prioritizing youth and salary cap flexibility as they navigate a competitive AFC North. For sports bettors and fantasy football enthusiasts, this transaction is more than just a roster footnote; it is a key indicator of how Pittsburgh plans to distribute targets and manage their offensive scheme in the coming months.
The Fallout: Who Steps Up in the Tight End Room?
Whenever a veteran of Smith’s caliber is removed from the equation, the immediate question for bettors is: Where do those snaps go?
Pat Freiermuth’s Volume Upside
The primary beneficiary of this move is undoubtedly Pat Freiermuth. Already established as a favorite target in the middle of the field, Freiermuth’s "Anytime Touchdown Scorer" odds and season-long receiving yardage totals should see a slight bump. Without Smith poaching snaps in 12-personnel (two tight end) sets, Freiermuth becomes an even more central pillar of the passing attack.
Darnell Washington’s Development
Keep a close eye on Darnell Washington. Known primarily as a lethal run-blocker, the physical specimen now has a clearer path to becoming a red-zone threat. For those looking at "Player Props," Washington’s involvement in goal-line packages could make him an intriguing long-shot bet for scoring opportunities throughout the season.
Betting Context: How This Impacts the Steelers' Odds
From a broad betting perspective, the release of Jonnu Smith doesn't dramatically shift the Steelers' Super Bowl or Divisional odds, but it does tell a story about the team's offensive identity.
Impact on the Run Game
Smith was often utilized as a versatile piece in the blocking game. His absence means the Steelers are leaning heavily on their young core to provide the leverage needed for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. If the offensive line and remaining tight ends can’t replicate Smith’s veteran edge in the trenches, we might see a slight dip in the efficiency of Pittsburgh’s rushing totals in the early weeks of the season.
Cap Space and Future Moves
Releasing a veteran like Smith often points toward a larger move on the horizon. Bettors should monitor the "Offseason Transaction" markets. The cap relief provided by this cut could be the precursor to the Steelers pursuing a high-profile wide receiver or a veteran offensive lineman. Any significant addition fueled by this extra cap room could see Pittsburgh’s "To Make the Playoffs" odds shorten significantly.
What’s Next for Jonnu Smith?
At this stage in his career, Jonnu Smith remains a capable asset for a team in need of a secondary tight end with reliable hands. For bettors who follow player-specific markets, Smith’s landing spot will be crucial. If he signs with a high-octane offense like Kansas City or Cincinnati as a depth piece, he could become a "sleeper" pick in weekly DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) lineups.
The Oddixa Bottom Line
The Steelers releasing Jonnu Smith is a classic "value move." By trimming the veteran salary, Pittsburgh is betting on their internal development.
Bettor’s Tip: Watch the preseason snap counts for the Steelers' backup tight ends. If the team doesn't sign a replacement, expect Pittsburgh to lean into more 11-personnel (three wide receivers), which could shift the betting value toward the WR3 on the roster rather than a second tight end.
As always, keep your eyes on the Oddixa injury reports and roster trackers to see how these personnel changes influence the weekly lines and player props.