With the Pat’s $50 million deal, Jonnu Smith to be the third-expensive NFL’s tight end
March 16, 2026
This article was last updated by Krishna Gurung on April 17, 2026
As a matter of fact, Jonnu Smith has paved his path to cover as one of the most expensive tight ends in the NFL.
Jonnu Smith is all set to sign a four–year deal worth $50 million with the New England Patriots. Indeed, we can say that the tight end had found his nesting area during his free agency, which they will officially ink this Wednesday, on March 17, 2026.
As the news was broke by agent Drew Rosenhaus to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it is added that the deal includes $31.25 million in guaranteed money.
Alongside it, the Patriots also have included an annual average salary of $12.5 million per year.
What does the contract end with?
Well, as a matter of fact, no one had expected smith to end up with an extravagant free agency period like this.
However, with the upcoming deal between them, it will place Jonnu Smith in the third position for being the most expensive tight ends.
As they lock Smith with them, he only stands behind the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce and 49ers’ George Kittle in earnings and salary. Furthermore, it is also the most expensive deal in franchise history.
Not to mention, he has now left Rob Gronkowski and Randy Moss behind via the contract. Apparently, they were making $9 million per the deal, which is topped by Smith’s $12.5 million.
Per , former TE Jonnu Smith () has reached an agreement with the on a 4–year, $50 million deal that includes $31.25 million fully guaranteed.
— Titans Radio (@titansradio)
Adding more to it, they have also stated it to be the most expensive deal for free agency. Well, it stands behind that of Stephon Gilmore’s deal in 2017, which was worth $13 million.
Consequently, as Adam Schefter reported, Smith will have a $182.5 million salary cap for 2026.
Also, as per Spotrac, Smith is set to have an estimated market value of $8 million per year on a five-year, $40.381 million contract.
Overflowing Reactions
A while ago, Jonnu Smith was the No. 16 available player on Gregg Rosenthal’s list of top 101 free agents. Indeed, the start of the new season commenced the work to tighten the group’s strength.
Glancing back to the past season, the New England Patriots has a hard season with no tight ends averaging more than 14 catches. For the last season, Smith compiled 114 catches for 1,302 yards and 16 TDs.
As Smith’s coach always stated,
“Jonnu Smith great after the catch, probably the best in the league. I mean, I can’t imagine anyone better than him after the catch.”
Jonnu Smith with his teammates (Source: Instagram)However, some do agree, while some don’t seem to take it as it is.
On Twitter:
“The may not be done: They are making a major push to sign pass-rusher Matt Judon, per me and . Big move on, D.“
on Twitter:
“Of the three big free agents leaving Nashville, Jonnu Smith is destined to hurt the most in years to come. As you may have heard, Bill Belichick is usually the one who lets free agents go, not the one who throws big money at them.”
on Twitter:
Patriots offseason thus far:
— Re-signed Cam Newton
— Re-signed Justin Bethel
— Traded Marcus Cannon
— Signed Jonnu Smith
— Signed Davon Godchaux
Jonnu Smith and Tennessee Titans
Not long ago, actually, just a few hours ago, Jonnu Smith had opened his words about how he and wide receiver Corey Davis won’t again be signed in by the Tennessee Titans.
Therewith, both of them were all prepared to hit the free agent for the first time in their careers.
Thus, as the Titans only kept A.J. Brown, Cameron Batson, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine with them, they legitimately have holes to fill for a tight end and the wide receiver.
Also, with both of them gone, Titans only have Anthony Firkser in the tight end’s contract.
Jonnu Smith’s can be more than what we think…
Before his free agency was looming in the corner of 2026, Jonnu Smith was not having huge games on his way. As the 2017 third-round pick, he was set to be a free agent in his fourth year of the NFL.
During the first few weeks of 2026, he had started with 12.28 yards per reception which by the end of the season, he had 55.3 yards per game.
Although many did complain about Smith’s quality for games, 2026 was the very season; he portrayed them his real versatility. To illustrate, he featured as the inline, which was different from his usual.
With an incredible free agency season, Jonnu Smith is an upgrade now, and if he is to combine with , the results are fatal.
To date, Jonnu Smith has only missed out on four of his NFL games from his contract year. Following it, he has posted 358 receiving yards and started at least 11 games for the fourth time in his career.
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Hey, I'm Rajani! As a digital content writer, I write for several websites on a wide range of topics. At Playersbio, I cover to write about hot trending celebrities and news. My professional experience makes me write the hard topics in a simplified manner for easiness.
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