Good tight ends are notoriously difficult to find. Aside from quarterback, this position faces arguably the hardest transition from the college level, so teams cannot bank on finding a quick fix in the NFL Draft. Because of this, players like Jonnu Smith are very much in demand when the free agent process begins. The athletic tight end should have plenty of suitors, but a few teams make more sense than others as a potential landing spot.
Jonnu Smith Free Agent Landing Spots
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have a fantastic roster, but they still need to make a few upgrades if they want to take down the Kansas City Chiefs. Buffalo had one of the best offenses in football last year, as Josh Allen turned the proverbial corner with one of the best and deepest wide receiver rooms in the league. However, they didn’t get very much out of their tight end position. Smith has the raw potential to be one of the best receiving tight ends in the league and will only make Buffalo’s offense that much harder to defend.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles need all the help they can get on the offensive side of the ball, especially with Zach Ertz on the trade market. Dallas Goedert is still a good tight end, but this offense is at its’ best with two separate threats at the position. This is especially true with Jalen Hurts under center, as Smith’s blocking abilities will be a major benefit for what should be a run-heavy attack. As mentioned in an earlier article, the Eagles need to give Hurts every chance to succeed in 2021, and adding a dynamic playmaker like Smith is a great way to determine if the second-round pick really has what it takes to lead a franchise.
New England Patriots
Nobody got less out of their tight ends in 2020 than the New England Patriots. Ryan Izzo might just be the worst starter in the league, and the rookie duo of Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene simply were not ready for the big stage. Asiasi and Keene are still young, and it typically takes time for any rookie tight ends to adjust to life at the NFL level.
There is a chance these two improve moving forward, but New England shouldn’t bank on that possibility. Signing someone like Jonnu Smith as a free agent sets a high floor in the tight end room and allows for the possibility of a high ceiling if Asiasi or Keene turn into solid starters.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars have the worst roster in the league, but they have the resources for a quick turnaround. Armed with the first-overall pick, they should be able to recruit anyone they want with the prospect of Trevor Lawrence. Of course, having the most salary cap space in the league certainly doesn’t hurt, so the Jaguars have the resources to get whoever they want in free agencies. Rookie quarterbacks love having a reliable tight end as a security blanket, and Smith has the potential to turn every dump off into a big play.
Tennessee Titans
Speculating on landing spots is fun, but there a very real chance that the Tennessee Titans retain Smith’s services. While he might not put up massive numbers in Tennessee, he is a big part of what they do offensively. The Titans love to run the football, and Smith’s above-average blocking in the trenches helps Derrick Henry do what he does. Additionally, with Corey Davis also likely to leave in free agency, the Titans will need someone else to catch passes opposite A.J. Brown. Smith has the talent to be that guy and could be in for a breakout season if he remains in Tennessee.
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