The New England Patriots have made their first big move of the NFL offseason as they have traded tight end Jonnu Smith to the Falcons in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round pick, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The Patriots have an abundance of draft capital, as the Patriots now have 11 picks for this year’s 2023 NFL draft.
Smith was added to the Patriots during New England’s free agency frenzy in 2021 but hasn’t produced and has dealt with his fair share of criticism. The 27-year-old shined in Tennessee before the Patriots signed him. Smith was signed to a four-year contract worth $50M in 2021. However, they also signed Hunter Henry during the same offseason, which was questioned by many Patriots fans and reporters.
During his stint in New England, the former third-round pick accounted for 294 yards and 28 receptions in 2021, and he tailed 27 receptions and 245 yards in 2022. During his time with the Patriots, Smith only scored one touchdown.
Patriots’ fans should be thrilled, as the move will create an additional $4.418 million on this year’s cap. Smith was supposed to be owed $17.228M in 2023. In addition, the move will free up $12M in cap space in 2024, according to Patriots cap expert Miguel Benzan
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My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
