The Patriots find themselves in a bit of a bind as they gear up for the upcoming season. Julian Hill's unfortunate season-ending injury has left them with a glaring gap in their tight end lineup. With only Hunter Henry and rookie Eli Raridon on the roster, it's clear that they need to bolster this position to avoid a potential offensive hiccup that could derail their progress.
Enter Jonnu Smith, a name that keeps popping up in conversations around Foxboro. Smith, who previously donned the Patriots jersey in 2021 and 2022 before being traded to the Falcons, is a free agent.
His time in New England didn't quite hit the mark, as the chemistry between him and the offensive setup, particularly under Josh McDaniels, wasn't as harmonious as anticipated. Despite a promising breakout with the Titans in 2020, his Patriots stint left much to be desired.
However, Smith's recent performances with the Falcons, Dolphins, and Steelers tell a different story. Over the last three seasons, he's chalked up 176 receptions for 1,688 yards and 13 touchdowns.
His standout year in Miami, where he snagged 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, even earned him a Pro Bowl nod. These stats suggest that Smith could indeed fill the void left by Hill's injury, making him a tempting option for the Patriots.
Yet, there's a sense of déjà vu here. The previous attempt to integrate Smith into the Patriots' system didn't quite pan out.
The question remains whether a reunion would yield better results this time around. The Patriots might be better served by exploring other avenues, perhaps targeting a tight end who meshes more seamlessly with their offensive strategy.
Names like Raiders' Michael Mayer come to mind as potential fits. A player familiar with McDaniels' playbook or one who complements Hunter Henry's style could be the key to solidifying their tight end corps.
As training camp approaches, prioritizing this decision is crucial. Otherwise, the Patriots might find themselves scrambling to patch up their tight end woes come fall.
In Other News...
Patriots Suddenly Have A Real Shot At A Major Tight End Upgrade
The Patriots are heading into the 2026 offseason with a familiar problem at tight end, and Julian Hills season-ending injury only sharpened it. Behind Hunter Henry, the depth chart is thin enough that New England may have to look beyond internal options, with free agency and the trade market both on the table as the team tries to stabilize one of the more important spots in the offense.
One possible path could come from Detroit, where the Lions contract decisions are creating a different kind of roster squeeze and could open the door to movement at tight end. If that develops, New England would have a chance to pursue a major upgrade, whether as a short-term jolt or a longer-range answer if Henry is indeed nearing the end of his Patriots run. Michael Mayer is another name in the mix, but the bigger question is whether the right player actually becomes available. [Read more 🡒]
Nick Wright Took Another Shot At Josh McDaniels And Patriots Fans Noticed
Nick Wright took another swing at Josh McDaniels, and Patriots fans were quick to notice because the discussion around New Englands offense has been tied to the coordinator for years. McDaniels has long been one of the most important figures in the teams recent history, with a rsum that stretches from the Brady era through multiple Super Bowl runs, and his return has once again put him at the center of the conversation about where this offense is headed.
The bigger issue for New England is what happens next with Drake Maye, because McDaniels track record with quarterbacks has always been part of his value. The Patriots have seen the offense sputter when he was away and look far more functional when he was back, which is why criticism of his standing as a playcaller lands differently here than it might elsewhere, especially with a young quarterback trying to find his footing. [Read more 🡒]
Mike Vrabel Just Sent A Clear Message About Drake Mayes Backup
Mike Vrabels first offseason in charge has already made the Patriots quarterback hierarchy look a lot different, and the latest move only sharpened the picture. After dealing Joe Milton III away, New England moved quickly to add Tommy DeVito, a steadier fit for the kind of backup role the staff seems to want behind Drake Maye as the team keeps building around a more structured offensive identity.
DeVito does not bring the same flash or arm strength that made Milton an intriguing depth option, but that is part of the point. The Patriots appear to be prioritizing a quarterback who matches their timeline and the rhythm of the system, which leaves the backup job looking far less like a competition for upside and more like a fit test for the way New England wants to play under Vrabel. [Read more 🡒]