The Patriots Have Traded Away One Of The Biggest Free Agent Busts Of The Belichick Era
The New England Patriots are moving on from TE Jonnu Smith and have traded him to the Atlanta Falcons for a 7th round pick. Smith was a complete bust during his time with the Patriots after signing a 4-year $50 million dollar deal in 2021 after coming over from the Tennessee Titans. Smith was not utilized in the way many Patriots fans had hoped when they brought him and Hunter Henry in during the same free agent class. Smith only accumulated 55 receptions, for 539 yards, and 1 TD during his time in New England. This will clear some extra cap space for the Patriots, and Jonnu will get a fresh start in Atlanta.
The trade will give the Patriots an extra $4.4 million in salary cap space.
Sources: The #Patriots are trading TE Jonnu Smith to the #Falcons, as a former big-ticket free agent heads elsewhere and creates space for New England. pic.twitter.com/Cmeh0QJt1F
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023
Worst free-agent signings of Bill Belichick era
🏈WR Antonio Brown — $9m signing bonus for 1 game
🏈DT Jonathan Fanene — 3 years, $9.825m for 0 games; grievance over injury/physical exam
🏈TE Jonnu Smith — 4 years, $50 million, $31.25 gtd for 55 catches, 539 yards, 1 TD
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 13, 2023
From Free Agency Frenzy: The #Falcons traded for Jonnu Smith, but please show the #Titans highlights, not the #Patriots highlights, when you discuss this. pic.twitter.com/2NfdoflqQy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023