With Delanie Walker no longer on the team, the Tennessee Titans will officially pass the torch at starting tight end in 2020 to Jonnu Smith, who had his best season a pro in 2019.
Smith totaled career-highs in receptions (35) and yards (439) in his third season, and tied his career-high in touchdowns (three) after seeing increased snaps following Walker being placed on season-ending IR after Week 7.
Not only is Smith entering a contract year, he’ll also be tasked with filling the shoes of Walker, who was the team’s best player and one of the faces of the franchise for much of the last decade.
During a Zoom call with the media on Monday, Smith said he’s up for that challenge (H/T Titans Film Room).
“Right now, I’m trying to surpass just filling the shoes that Delanie walked in. It’ll be a challenge to surpass a guy like Delanie, but I’m definitely up for that challenge. That’s just the player I am.”
The 24-year-old had a great teacher in Walker during his first three seasons in the NFL. Smith says the veteran helped him along and didn’t hold back.
Jonnu Smith on Delanie Walker: Said Delanie was an open book for him and he learned a lot from him and be a "fly on the wall."
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 3, 2020
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Smith has put himself in a great position to have an even better season than he did in 2019. During the offseason, the former third-round pick has been working out with quarterback Ryan Tannehill regularly, which should help the pair’s chemistry and lead to more looks for Smith.
It’s possible the Titans extend Smith before the season starts, but an uncertain financial future for 2021 might deter the team from doing that. Should Tennessee decide not to extend him and Smith has a true breakout campaign in 2020, he could cash in big time on the open market next offseason.
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