Patriots Made A Major Upgrade At Tight End By Signing Jonnu Smith
The Patriots are getting aggressive early in free agency. They made a major offensive upgrade at the tight end position by signing TE Jonnu Smith, formerly of the Titans, to a four-year, $50 million contract.
The 6’3 248lb Smith is coming off a career year for the Tennessee Titans, setting career-highs with 41 receptions, 448 receiving yards and nine touchdowns (eight receiving, one rushing) in 2020. A third-round pick by Tennessee in 2017, Smith has 114 receptions on 169 targets for 1,302 yards and 16 touchdowns over his four-year NFL career.
The Patriots have not had much production from the tight end position since Rob Gronkowski retired with no tight end going over 200 receiving yard in a season since that time. That will definetly change Smith who is a big red zone weapon.
Bill Belichick has a very high opinion of Smith.
“He’s just a really good tight end,” Belichick said in 2020. “Can do a lot of things. Blocks well. Runs well. Is a good receiver. Played him at tailback, he looked pretty good back there. He’s a very athletic player. Hard to tackle. Catches the ball well.
“(He’s) great after the catch, probably the best in the league. I mean, I can’t imagine anyone better than him after the catch.”
Former Titans’ TE Jonnu Smith reached agreement with the Patriots on a 4–year, $50 million deals that includes $31.25 million fully guaranteed, @DrewJRosenhaus told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2021
Three plays that show what new Patriots' TE Jonnu Smith brings to the table:
1. Excellent red zone weapon
2. Versatility – including to play as a running back(!)
3. Making plays down the fieldElite after the catch. An awesome athlete. pic.twitter.com/oWSXUfhIRp
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2021