Sports

Report: Pats ink TE Jonnu Smith to 4-year, $50 million deal

By David Souza, Boston 25 News

Jonnu Smith Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) makes a reception against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. Ravens defeat Titans 20-13. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen) (Brett Carlsen)

By David Souza, Boston 25 News

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots have reportedly reached an agreement with free agent TE Jonnu Smith, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal is a four-year contract worth $50 million, $31.25 million of which is fully guaranteed.

>>>MORE PATRIOTS NEWS

Schefter cited sports agent Drew Rosenhaus as his source for the contract.

Smith, who will be 26 when next season begins, has spent the last four seasons with the Tennessee Titans. A third-round draft pick in 2017, Smith is coming off of the best offensive season of his young career.

>>>MORE: AP source: Patriots completing 1-year deal to re-sign Newton

In 2020, Smith hauled in 41 receptions for 448 yards and eight touchdowns, all career-highs. By comparison, Ryan Izzo led all Patriots’ tight ends a season ago with 13 receptions and 199 yards. In total, New England tight ends combined for just one touchdown all season long last year.

Smith has played at least 15 games in three of his four seasons, missing more than one contest only in the 2018 season. The move is set to help shore up a position group for the Patriots that has been lacking since the departure of TE Rob Gronkowski in the 2019 offseason.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

Most Read