Deebo Samuel: Panthers Named Best Fit for Jonnu Smith
deebo samuel headlines the latest move-watch around Jonnu Smith: ’s Matt Bowen named the Carolina Panthers the best fit for the former Dolphins Pro Bowl tight end. Smith remains an NFL free agent after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Bowen’s read points straight to a Carolina offense that could use his alignment versatility.
Bowen’s Carolina Match
Bowen said Smith would give the Panthers a move — or “F” — tight end who can create schematic advantages due to his alignment versatility. He added that Smith can flex outside in 12 personnel while getting targets on unders and screens.
The fit also runs through Bryce Young. Bowen wrote that wherever Smith lines up, he can be a reliable catch-and-run target for the Panthers quarterback, a role built around short-area production rather than pure volume.
Smith’s Pittsburgh Production
Smith’s recent season gives the recommendation some weight. He had 38 receptions in Pittsburgh last season, and 68.4% of his career receiving totals have come after the catch. That profile matches Bowen’s view of a tight end who can move around the formation and turn routine targets into yards.
His path to free agency has already been busy. Prior to the 2025 season, the Steelers traded for Smith in a deal that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami, and Smith later landed on the market after Pittsburgh released him.
Panthers, Dolphins, and the Cap
Carolina’s appeal is not just about scheme. The Panthers made the playoffs last season after winning the NFC South despite a losing record, then nearly pulled off a playoff upset over the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round. A tight end who can win after the catch fits a team that already showed it can squeeze into January and push a favorite.
Miami has already moved in another direction. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan opted to re-sign Greg Dulcich in free agency instead of pursuing Smith, and he said, “I thought he had a really good back end of the season, and I want to see if he can build on that.” After June 1, the Dolphins are set to receive an influx in available salary cap space from Bradley Chubb’s post-June 1 cut, but a portion of that money will likely go toward De’Von Achane’s four-year extension that has already been agreed upon but has not yet become official.
For Carolina, the recommendation leaves the Panthers as the clearest landing spot in the current market. For Smith, it keeps the conversation tied to one specific trait — a catch-and-run tight end who can move inside or outside and give Young a quick target.
