Jonnu Smith’s projected market value in free agency
While Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith put up career-highs in receptions (41), receiving yards (448) and touchdowns (eight) in 2020, it still felt like a disappointing season overall for him.
That’s because Smith cooled off considerably after a hot start. The 25-year-old posted 18 catches for 221 yards and five touchdowns in the team’s first four games and it looked like a major breakout season was coming.
However, in his final 11 games, Smith totaled just 23 catches for 227 yards and three scores, becoming an afterthought in what was still an elite offense. It’s important to note that Smith was likely called upon to block more after Taylor Lewan went down to injury, which no doubt hurt his numbers.
Spotrac has Smith’s market value in free agency at a healthy five-year, $40.3 million deal, which works out to about $8 million annually. Per Over the Cap, that would tie the former third-round pick for eighth-highest annual average in a contract in the NFL at the position.
Should the Titans bring Smith back?
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The Titans' offense didn't really miss a beat without Smith's contributions in the passing game in the second half of the season, and that's even with the team lacking depth at the wide receiver position when Adam Humphries went down to injury. If the Titans aren't going to utilize Smith's freakish athletic abilities more, it makes no sense to pay him that kind of money. Instead, the Titans should use those resources elsewhere and opt for a cheaper starting tight end who can block and has a reliable set of hands. So, either the Titans commit the money to Smith and make it a point to get him more involved, or let him walk. Right now, paying him $8 million per year to mostly block isn't something this team can afford with money being tight thanks to the salary cap going down.
