Patriots: 3 free agent tight ends who could help the offense take off

1. Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans

Usually, it’s the Titans who end up populating their roster with a bunch of former Patriots players. This time around, New England will try to poach a potential star in the making away from Tennessee, as Smith might look to cash in after a solid 2020 season.

Smith showed that he can be a viable replacement for Delanie Walker, as he set new career-highs in yards with 448 and touchdowns with nine, a number that surpassed the eight total scores he had in his prior three seasons. With wide receiver speed at 245 pounds, Smith could be a very enticing signing for New England if he doesn’t get franchise tagged.

Smith could continue to emerge as a star with the Patriots.

Smith’s low yardage totals in such a high-octane Titans offense might be worrisome, but the fact that he was the third receiving option in a run-first offense should get teams like New England enticed by his potential.

He could very well end up as the primary option on a New England team that needs a lot of help on the perimeter. Smith’s offensive potential should make him a potential Pro Bowler with the Pats, which is why out-bidding the competition here might be the smart move.