Tennessee Titans tight end and 2017 third-round pick Jonnu Smith is entering a contract year in 2020, as it’s the fourth and final year of his rookie deal.
Smith stepped up in a big way for the Titans in 2019 after former tight end, Delanie Walker, was placed on Injured Reserve with an ankle injury.
The Florida International product hauled in 35 receptions for 439 yards and three touchdowns, all career-highs. He also nabbed an insane touchdown catch in the divisional round win over the Baltimore Ravens.
For now, Smith isn’t thinking about being in a contract year and is just focused on playing football and trying to help the Titans win a Super Bowl.
Said he's focused on trying to win a Super Bowl … https://t.co/EHGeX4MFlc
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 13, 2020
Smith was very complimentary of Walker and explained how the veteran helped him develop while the pair played together.
He also acknowledged that he’s the main man at tight end now that Walker is no longer with the team after being cut earlier this offseason. The veteran remains available on the open market.
Jonnu Smith on Delanie Walker cont'd: It's going to be tough not to look over and see my guy there in meetings w/me. For me, I 'm TE1 now. I'm going to take advantage of the opportunity and just continue ton be that workhorse. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 13, 2020
Smith has been hard at work with quarterback Ryan Tannehill during the quarantine, as the pair have been working out down in South Florida where they both live.
In fact, Smith and Tannehill are meeting multiple times per week and haven’t missed a week over the past few months. That should do wonders for their chemistry in 2020.
Smith said he'll often work out with Tannehill multiple times a week. The two have been working together for about two months. "We haven't missed a week." https://t.co/rqhslXO4ch
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) May 13, 2020
Smith also made sure to mention that he and Tannehill aren’t doing anything illegal in their meetups.
Also mentions they are not doing anything illegal when they meet up for the workouts #Titans https://t.co/JNERtJX5HX
— Nashville's #1 Sports Station (@1045TheZone) May 13, 2020
Smith has big shoes to fill now that Walker is gone, but if last season was any indication, he should be just fine.
Smith’s elite athleticism allows the Titans to use him in multiple ways, including as a runner. The 24-year old totaled four carries last season, with his best coming in Week 15 on a 57-yard run against the Houston Texans.
It remains to be seen if the Titans will try to extend Smith prior to the start of the season, but if not he could be in for a sizable payday in 2021 if he has the kind of big season we expect him to.
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