New England Patriots: 8 newcomers who will make big impacts in 2021
No. 5: New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith willing to do “whatever it takes”
The New England Patriots not only got one pass catching tight end this offseason, but they also shocked the NFL and landed the top two tight end free agents on the market.
While all the focus was on Hunter Henry entering the new league year, Bill Belichick and the Patriots threw their money around and signed former Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith to a four-year contract worth $50 million.
Just 25 years old, Smith gives the Patriots that versatile tight end option they have been missing since the days of Aaron Hernandez.
Coming off consecutive seasons of over 400 yards receiving, Smith has a real opportunity to breakout in New England, especially with the team’s lack of a real No. 1 receiver.
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In all, look for Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to use Jonnu Smith in different ways, especially in the red zone where his speed and size will make him a tough target for defenders to cover.
Whether he’s lining up in the backfield, flanked out at the wide receiver position or lineup up as a traditional tight end, Smith is all for it and looking forward to doing whatever it takes to help the New England Patriots win in 2021.
"“Whatever it will take to help us win, whatever I have to do,” Smith said Friday following practice, via WEEI. “I’m just excited to be able to use my ability to its fullest potential. Even touch some areas where maybe I do some things I’ve never done before. Kind of scratch the surface here and see what lies beneath.”"
It’s really that excitement that will make Smith an impactful addition to this Patriots squad. With how anemic the offense looked at times the last two seasons, it is both refreshing and overdue to have a talent like the 6-foot-3, 248-pound tight end on the field and hopefully making many memorable plays.