Former Titans’ Player Jonnu Smith Reunites with Former Titans’ Coach Arthur Smith

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans are in the midst of NFL Free Agency, but before the madness began they saw a former player join forces with a former coach. Former Titans’ tight end Jonnu Smith, who left the team during the 2021 offseason to sign with the New England Patriots, was traded from New England to Atlanta on Monday morning and will now be back with coach Arthur Smith.

Former Titans’ offensive coordinator Arthur Smith also left the Titans after the 2020 season to become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Arthur Smith spent two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Titans, but prior to being promoted he served as the tight ends coach. Coaching Jonnu Smith directly since he was drafted in 2017.

Jonnu Smith had his best years of production while being coached by Arthur. Not only that, but Jonnu had that success in an offense constructed by Arthur. Jonnu put up 114 catches for 1,302 yards and 17 total touchdowns during his years in Nashville. In his last two years in Tennessee, Jonnu put up more catches and more yards in each season than he did in either of his seasons in New England.

The Falcons gave up a seventh round pick to acquire Jonnu Smith from the Patriots. A small price to pay to reunite the player and coach. Arthur can get the most out of Jonnu and help the Falcons utilize the talented Kyle Pitts in a more varied way. Jonnu was expected to be released by the Patriots so this outcome prevents him from hitting the open market.

Some Titans fans may have been hoping for a reunion with Jonnu Smith after news of his status with the Patriots went public earlier this offseason, but the issue is new up and coming tight end Chig Okonkwo has a very similar skillset to Jonnu Smith. The Titans will need to find a tight end who compliments Okonkwo more effectively.

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