Patriots free agency moves – trade Jonnu Smith to Falcons

In one of the likely least shocking free agency moves of 2023, the Patriots traded tight end Jonnu Smith to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, receiving a 2023 seventh-round pick (No. 245) in return.

Smith also reworked his contract before the trade, ensuring the Patriots cleared over $4 million in cap space and left them with no dead cap for next season. Instead, however, they are set to take on over $12.8 million in dead cap for this season, which may wind up becoming significant at some point.

Smith was signed during Bill Belichick’s unprecedented spending spree two years ago, signing a  of Bill Belichick’s unprecedented spending spree two years ago, signing four-year, $50 million contract with $31.25 million guaranteed, but he never quite became what the Patriots hoped he would be. He was signed before it was announced that Hunter Henry would be joining the team as well and was unable to get back to his Titans production days to compete with Henry’s playing time.

Through two seasons in New England, Smith totaled just 55 receptions for 539 yards and one touchdown. It was clear Belichick’s plan was to use Henry as the downfield threat and red zone target and primarily use Smith for his blocking abilities to help a needy offensive line.

The trade is the first big move by the Patriots this offseason, and it’s clear it was more of an acknowledgment of a failed free agent signing leading to a salary dump trade. Because of the details of his original contract, it will likely go down as one of the biggest mistakes of Belichick’s tenure.

However, the good thing for Smith? He is reuniting with his former offensive coordinator from his days with the Titans, Arthur Smith, who became the Falcons’ head coach in 2021. Although Atlanta already has a stud tight end in Kyle Pitts, Smith may see a spike in involvement with the offense compared to the last two seasons, which feels like this trade is a win/win for both the Patriots and the tight end.