NFL Free Agency: Why Falcons Cut TE Jonnu Smith
The Atlanta Falcons have cut tight end Jonnu Smith in a room that will clear $6.5 million in cap space with only a $2.5 million penalty.
Last week, The Athletic explored the idea of the Falcons cutting Smith and why they would make a move of that nature.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith (81) with the ball as Carolina Panthers safety Vonn Bell (24) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
"It might seem crazy for Atlanta to move on from its fourth-leading receiver from a year ago, but the fact that it’s a possibility illustrates the dramatic upheaval coming to the offense," The Athletic writes. "Former head coach Arthur Smith kept a tight end-heavy roster. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson comes from the Rams’ 11-personnel-heavy offense, meaning Kyle Pitts may be the only tight end the Falcons need now.
"Los Angeles [Rams]’ No. 2 tight end, Davis Allen, caught just 10 passes last year. Smith caught 50 passes a year ago but cutting him would give Atlanta $6.5 million more cap room."
As The Athletic notes, Robinson's new system is much better suited to one tight end than two, which instantly reduces Jonnu Smith's role a good amount. More than that, though, Jonnu Smith is clearly tied to Arthur Smith.
The two worked together closely with the Tennessee Titans, when Jonnu Smith had two of his best statistical seasons under the then-Titans offensive coordinator. Arthur Smith then brought Jonnu Smith down to Atlanta last offseason and involved him heavily in the offense. In fact, much of the heat Arthur Smith took came from his questionable decision to utilize Jonnu Smith over other weapons, most notably Pitts.
Even though Jonnu Smith had a good season in Atlanta, posting a career-high 582 receiving yards, he doesn't seem like the best fit in the new offense. With Arthur Smith now being the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator, perhaps that could be a logical landing spot for the tight end.
For the Falcons, though, the financial flexibility to gain from cutting Jonnu Smith could be well worth it.
