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For the first time since signing a four-year, $50 million deal with the New England Patriots in free agency this past offseason, tight end Jonnu Smith will meet his former team in Week 12 at Foxborough.
Smith, a former third-round pick of the Titans in 2017, spent his first four seasons in Nashville and compiled 114 catches for 1,302 yards and 17 touchdowns over 60 games (53 starts).
Despite the parting of ways this past offseason, Smith says he enjoyed his time with the Titans and has “nothing but love” for his former team.
“Some of the greatest four years I’ve had there, I learned a lot,” Smith said of his time in Nashville. “I’ve got nothing but love for the organization. They did right by me, and everyday that I went out there I gave it my all for them.”
As far as comparing his former head coach, Mike Vrabel, to his current one, Bill Belichick, Smith says both have a great energy and demand the best from their players, although their personalities are different.
“He’s (Vrabel) a great guy, a great energy, a lot like this guy (Belichick),” Smith said. “Not as far as personality-wise, but just coaching styles. They demand a lot of their players. Any great coach should, just wanting them to be the best and demand their best every snap. You can’t ask for a better coach than that. He knows his stuff, and he’s a great guy off the field as well. It was a great opportunity and a great experience playing for him.”
Smith’s first season in New England has come with some struggles. On top of dealing with drops, the 26-year-old hasn’t produced like you’d expect a $50 million tight end to, with just 22 catches for 210 yards and one score in 10 games played.
Despite seeing less playing time than fellow tight end Hunter Henry, Smith is sticking to the program and is ready to continue doing whatever is asked of him.
“I’m not going in there asking for a role. I know they know what position to put us all in to help us get wins. That’s the most important thing,” Smith said. “I’m just trying to do my part, whatever that is, and do it 100% like I always did. Nothing different than my career; I’m not changing now.”
Smith has drawn nothing but positive reviews from coaches and teammates, although his time in New England will ultimately be judged by his production.
Perhaps a matchup with his former team is just what the doctor ordered to get his season on track after what has been a disappointing start in New England.
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