Is Jonnu Smith A Good Fit With The Falcons? Fantasy Football Outlook

March 13, 2023

Is newly-acquired TE Jonnu Smith a good fit for the Atlanta Falcons? What does Smith's fantasy football outlook look like in 2023? Read the analysis here.

Former New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith is headed to the Atlanta Falcons via trade. Smith cashed in on a lucrative deal for a tight end with New England after a stellar 2020 season with Tennessee, but his production was mediocre alongside Hunter Henry, so the Patriots moved on.

Kyle Pitts is obviously the starter at tight end in Atlanta, so it'll be interesting to see how Smith fits in the offense as he reunites with Arthur Smith.

How did Smith play during his tenure with New England and is he worth a late-round selection in 2023 fantasy drafts with his new team? Let's dive in.

Jonnu Smith 2021-22 Season Review

In 30 games as a Patriot, Smith caught 55 of his 83 targets for 549 yards and one touchdown over a two-year span. His production was a big fall-off from his 2020 campaign with Tennessee when he caught 41 of 65 targets for 448 yards and eight touchdowns. It was his first full season as the Titans' starting tight end after Delanie Walker's retirement.

Smith was scheduled to earn the ninth-highest salary ($12.5 million) for New England, so they decided to move him for a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Hunter Henry remains on the roster, but expect New England to sign or draft a backup tight end in free agency or the upcoming draft.

Jonnu Smith 2023 Fantasy Football Outlook

Head coach Arthur Smith loves to use two-tight end sets dating back to when he had Walker and Smith in Tennessee, so that's likely the plan in Atlanta in 2023. However, this could mean Pitts will see more usage out wide or in the slot, which should set up for more favorable matchups and fantasy production.

As for Smith, he won't be on the fantasy radar except in ultra-deep tight end premium leagues unless Pitts suffers an injury. Smith has averaged just over receiving yards per game in his 90 contests played, so he'll be used more as a utility tight end that can line up in the backfield and on the line of scrimmage.

Smith's arrival helps the Falcons offense, but it won't change his mediocre fantasy value while Pitts is active.

More Fantasy Football Analysis