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Jonnu Smith 2022 NFL Player Outlook: Timeshare With Henry, Boom-or-Bust TE2 With Potential FB/H-Back Role
2 years agoThe New England Patriots signed former Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith to a four-year, $50 million deal, $31 million guaranteed during the 2021 offseason. New England also added former Los Angeles Chargers tight end, Hunter Henry to a three-year year, $37.5 million contract to enhance their tight end corps. Smith disappointed in his first year with the Patriots, hauling in 28 catches (on 45 targets) for 294 yards and a touchdown with nine carries for 40 yards over 16 games. The 26-year-old averaged 8.3 YAC per reception and owned just 9% of the team's target shares. Henry was rookie quarterback Mac Jones' favorite red zone target and caught nine touchdowns last season. He eight of 17 red-zone targets from Jones the previous year. New England will use more two tight end sets, and Smith reportedly could take on a share of fullback/H-back duties with Jakob Johnson signing with the Raiders, increasing his fantasy value. There is a ton of competition for targets in New England's offense between Henry and wide receivers DeVante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, and Nelson Agholor. Between a timeshare with Henry, and inconsistent volume, Smith, at his current FFPC ADP of 323, is a late-round flier at best in tight-end premium leagues.
