Falcons release veteran tight end Jonnu Smith

Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 27, 2024, 03:14 PM ET
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Less than a year after trading for tight end Jonnu Smith, the Atlanta Falcons decided to release their productive tight end Tuesday.

The Falcons moved on from Smith after he posted career highs in receptions (50) and yards (582) in Atlanta’s offense under former head coach Arthur Smith last season. There had been a familiarity between Arthur Smith and Jonnu Smith from their mutual time in Tennessee together from 2017 to 2020.

By cutting Smith, Atlanta will save $6.5 million against the cap, according to the Roster Management System, while also carrying a dead money charge of $2.5 million.

“@AtlantaFalcons Thankful to have had the opportunity to be apart of an amazing organization. This season will be one of the most memorable years during my career for many great reasons on and off the field. Special locker room and special people all throughout the building,” Smith posted on X.

Smith, a third-round pick in the 2017 draft by Tennessee, has played in 107 games, making 78 starts. He’s caught 219 passes for 2,423 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career between the Titans, New England Patriots and Falcons.

Smith had signed with New England in free agency before the 2021 season and lasted two seasons with the Patriots. Atlanta dealt a seventh-round pick to New England just before the start of the new league year last season to acquire Smith and reunite him with his old head coach.

With Smith’s release, Atlanta has Kyle Pitts, John FitzPatrick and Tucker Fisk under contract for 2024 as tight ends.