Patriots get 4-year deal with ex-Titans TE Smith

Former Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith reached agreement with the New England Patriots on a four-year, $50 million deal that includes $31.25 million fully guaranteed, agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Smith took advantage of being the Tennessee Titans’ primary tight end last season by scoring a career-best eight touchdowns, which were the second most on the team. He also had 41 receptions for 448 yards.

Smith, 25, got off to a hot start and scored five touchdowns over the first four games, but he was slowed down by an ankle injury in October.

An injury to left tackle Taylor Lewan then caused the Titans to use Smith’s blocking ability to help Lewan’s backups. While Smith’s production dipped as a result of being asked to chip defensive ends, his versatility became more evident.

The fifth-year tight end was selected in the third round of the 2017 draft. In four seasons, he has caught 114 passes for 1,302 yards and 16 touchdowns. Smith was also used in the backfield at times and carried the ball six times for 82 yards including a 57-yard touchdown run against the Houston Texans in 2019.

ESPN’s Turron Davenport contributed to this report.

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