Jonnu Smith Falcons Contract: How much will the new Atlanta TE earn?

Several sources have reported that the Atlanta Falcons have acquired tight end Jonnu Smith from the New England Patriots in exchange for a seventh-round selection in 2023.

In March 2021, Jonnu Smith agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with the New England outfit that includes a $31.25 million guarantee. ESPN reports that Smith's cap hits with the Pats were $17,228,529 in 2023 and $18,405,000 in 2024.

Sources have indicated that Smith's deal could be modified in Atlanta as part of the transaction.

Does the Jonnu Smith deal make sense from Atlanta's perspective?

After playing for the Tennessee Titans for the first four seasons of his NFL stint, Jonnu Smith joined the Patriots in 2021. During Jonnu Smith's time in Tennessee, Arthur Smith, the head coach of the Falcons, served as the tight end coordinator and later the offensive coach for the Titans.

Smith enjoyed the finest two seasons of his career with the Titans, including a 2020 campaign in which he had 41 catches for 448 yards and eight scores. He might be suitable for a role in Atlanta that is comparable to the one he held in Tennessee.

Smith has a total of 90 games played in his career, starting 72 of them. He has 169 receptions for 1,841 yards and 17 TDs.

The decision to get Smith was made after the Atlanta Falcons' poor 7-10 season, where they failed to register a postseason appearance in 2022. Smith's arrival is considered a positive development by the team's administration, who have been looking for methods to strengthen their roster over the off-season.

However, Smith's performance with the New England Patriots in 2022 was subpar. For a total of 245 yards and no touchdowns, he only caught 27 receptions. He still contributes blocking and sporadic rushing attempts to the running game, though, and is regarded as a vital player.

Smith will see the transfer to the Falcons as a fresh chance to demonstrate his abilities and support a squad that is trying to recover from a dismal campaign.

The Falcons will start the 2023 season with great expectations, and Jonnu Smith's acquisition will no doubt delight the team's supporters. The Falcons are currently hopeful that Smith will lend a hand to them to progress further and get back into the postseason picture, but only time will tell whether the trade is successful.