The Atlanta Falcons acquired Jonnu Smith in a trade with the New England Patriots last offseason, and the veteran tight finished the year with career highs in catches (50) and receiving yards (582).
Smith provided depth as Kyle Pitts worked his way back from a severe knee injury in 2023. The Falcons released Smith last week to free up over $6 million in salary cap space for the 2024 season. As expected, NFL teams are already showing interest in the speedy tight end.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Smith is meeting with the Miami Dolphins and the two are currently negotiating a contract.
Free-agent tight end Jonnu Smith visited the Miami Dolphins today, per source. The two sides are said to be in contract negotiations.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2024
Falcons fans assumed former head coach and current Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith would go after Smith, but it looks like Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel beat him to the punch.
Atlanta is not expected to run as many two-tight end sets in 2024 under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Perhaps the team will target a more traditional tight end in the draft since it has little depth behind Pitts.