Jonnu Smith Lands With a Patriots Team That Needs a Lot of Help, But Can They Launch Him in Fantasy?

Neil Dutton
March 15, 2021

The New England Patriots have signed former Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith to a four-year, $50 million deal that includes $31.25 million fully guaranteed. While this move will certainly bolster their offensive arsenal, does it make Smith a top-tier fantasy option at the TE spot?

It would be fair to say that the Patriots needed more production from their tight ends in 2021 than they got last year. No team targeted their TEs less in 2020. No team had fewer TE receptions or touchdowns. Only the Carolina Panthers saw their TEs rack up fewer yards.

They were not exactly blessed with an abundance of star power in their TE room. Ryan Izzo saw 20 of the 33 targets sent to TEs. He accounted for 13 of the receptions and 199 of the yards. The only touchdown went to rookie Devin Asiasi.

The Patriots have gone some way towards improving this position by apparently landing former Titans TE. The long-time RotoViz favorite has been a popular riser in best ball circles with FA on the horizon. Does his new home justify the enthusiasm?

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Neil Dutton

Lead Writer, soft spot for the tight end position. Will never stop loving Duke Johnson.

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