Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Theo Johnson


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
5.3 0.0 0.0 2.4 21.5 0.1

Jonnu Smith News

Steelers Releasing Jonnu Smith

Wednesday, March 4, 2:14 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers are releasing tight end Jonnu Smith on Wednesday, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The move will save the Steelers $7 million against the salary cap, and Smith will now become an unrestricted free agent. Smith, 30, was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, putting up career-highs in catches (88), targets (111), receiving yards (884), and touchdowns (eight) in 17 games. He came crashing back down to Earth in 2025 with Pittsburgh while sharing targets with Pat Freiermuth, though, as he finished with only 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns on 54 targets in 17 regular-season games. Smith may never be as good as he was in 2024 in Miami, but a move out of the Steel City is a good thing for his fantasy value going into the 2026 campaign. Smith's departure is also great news for Freiermuth's ceiling.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Theo Johnson News

Theo Johnson Facing Increased Competition in New York

Sunday, March 15, 12:17 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson finds himself in a more crowded position group all of a sudden. The Giants underwent a major coaching staff shakeup this offseason, and new head coach John Harbaugh brought in plenty of his guys, including tight end Isaiah Likely. It's unclear whether Likely or Johnson will be the true No. 1 in New York, but either way, the addition of the former will have major implications on the latter. It's unfortunate, too, given that Johnson was just starting to trend up. He had 45 catches, 528 yards, and five touchdowns in 2025, ranking as the overall TE18 in full-PPR leagues. It's hard to envision him eclipsing those marks next year if Likely is heavily involved, just like he was in Baltimore. The biggest saving grace for Johnson is that the Giants lost Wan'Dale Robinson this offseason, leaving plenty of vacated targets to go around. He also has an existing rapport with quarterback Jaxson Dart, and Likely can't say the same. We expect Johnson to remain a low-end TE2 option in 2026, but his value certainly isn't going up in dynasty leagues.


Jonnu Smith vs. Theo Johnson

Still trying to decide between Smith and Johnson? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jonnu Smith is projected to score 5.3 points this week while Theo Johnson is projected to score 0.0 points.