As anticipated, the Atlanta Falcons made a predictable decision by letting go of tight end Jonnu Smith, granting the seasoned player the opportunity to explore free agency. Having been brought in from the New England Patriots, Smith had a commendable performance during his brief tenure with the Atlanta Falcons.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69728785/1234517607.0.jpg)
Throughout all 17 games, he managed to secure 50 catches for 582 yards and three touchdowns on 70 passes, much to the frustration of fantasy football managers who had pinned their hopes on Kyle Pitts.
Falcons are releasing veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, per source.
Smith caught 50 passes for 532 yards and three touchdowns last season. pic.twitter.com/gMRSE6jCKi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2024
After impressing with the Tennessee Titans over four successful seasons, Jonnu Smith secured a lucrative four-year, $50 million deal with the Patriots in free agency. However, he failed to meet expectations, managing just one touchdown and falling short of the 300-yard mark in his tenure with the team.
This disappointing performance significantly tarnished Smith’s reputation, but his previous stints with the Falcons and Titans demonstrate his potential effectiveness within suitable systems. While he may not reach superstar status, several teams may still be keen on acquiring him as a capable starter in free agency.
Top 5 Free Agency Fits For Jonnu Smith
Best Destinations
Pittsburgh Steelers
Love him or hate him, Arthur Smith undeniably knows how to maximize Jonnu Smith’s potential. Whether serving as the offensive coordinator in Tennessee or the head coach in Atlanta, Smith has consistently brought out the best in the tight end. Smith’s influence has been evident in all of Jonnu Smith’s standout seasons.
If you’re questioning why the Steelers would pursue Jonnu Smith in free agency with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington already on the roster, you haven’t paid enough attention to Smith’s tenure with the Falcons. Regardless of who’s currently on the team, Smith is known for utilizing the players he wants, regardless of any existing talent or cost considerations.
Los Angeles Chargers
With Gerald Everett likely heading to free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers have a gap to fill at tight end. Although there’s a possibility of re-signing Everett, new head coach Jim Harbaugh might consider Jonnu Smith as an alternative in free agency. Both players possess comparable skill sets, but Smith is a year younger and potentially more affordable. This could be crucial for the Chargers, who are constrained by salary cap limitations. While Smith may not be their long-term solution at tight end, he could serve as a temporary stopgap until the team drafts a player in 2024.
Tennessee Titans
Jonnu Smith may find himself back at his NFL starting point in free agency. Despite the departure of Mike Vrabel and his coaching staff, there are likely some familiar faces in the front office who recognize the tight end’s potential in the right setting. With the Titans in need of receiving options, Smith could serve as a dependable underneath target for second-year quarterback Will Levis.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins boast the NFL’s most formidable wide receiver duo with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Nonetheless, they lack a proven third option on their roster, particularly at tight end. To address these deficiencies, the Dolphins could turn to Jonnu Smith in free agency. Smith’s athleticism aligns well with the dynamic nature of Mike McDaniel’s offense, offering a potential solution to their tight end needs. Additionally, opposing defenses may struggle to gameplan effectively against Smith with the formidable threats of Hill and Waddle demanding attention.
Carolina Panthers
While tight end may not be the Carolina Panthers’ top offseason priority, adding another option at the position could still be beneficial. While Hayden Hurst is serviceable, signing Jonnu Smith in free agency could represent an upgrade. Smith brings a balanced skill set, capable of both blocking and catching at a satisfactory level, a quality that’s lacking in many Panthers players. Whether it’s providing additional protection for quarterback Bryce Young or serving as a reliable checkdown option, Smith has the potential to be a valuable asset for the team.
Leave a Reply