New England Patriots’ Jonnu Smith Restructures Contract, Creating Reported $5 Million For 2022

Jonnu Smith will enter the 2022 regular season under revised terms.

The New England Patriots have converted $7.965 million of the tight end’s upcoming base salary into a signing bonus, according to a report Friday from ESPN’s Field Yates.

The move creates $5.31 million in immediate cap space for an organization that previously stood among the NFL’s more restricted to begin September.

Smith, 27, had signed a four-year, $50 million contract that included $31.25 million fully guaranteed last March. He went on to catch 28 passes for 294 yards and one touchdown in his initial campaign with New England. Added on the ground were nine carries for 40 yards.

In the company of tight end Hunter Henry, a fellow 2021 arrival who led the way in the red zone, the Florida International product played 526 offensive snaps through 16 games and 11 starts.

The Patriots now stand with $8.858 million in flexibility for 2022, according to Miguel Benzan of PatsCap. As a result of the restructure, however, Smith’s cap hits now stand at $17.405 million for 2023 and $18.405 million for 2024. Both of which are $2.655 million increases.

His role projects to increase moving forward, as well.

While a member of the Tennessee Titans, Smith turned 114 receptions into 1,302 yards and six rushes into 82 yards. The 2017 NFL draft’s No. 100 overall pick scored 17 touchdowns during his tenure. A career-high nine trips to the end zone came in 2020 before he became an unrestricted free agent.

But Pro Football Focus tracked Smith for 67% of his workload as a blocker last year in Foxborough. That was his primary usage despite leading all tight ends around the league with 8.5 yards after the catch per reception.

Additional opportunities in open space are the expectation. The 6-foot-3, 248-pound Smith was a full participant in New England’s voluntary offseason workout program after missing last spring’s following the birth of his daughter. Chemistry with sophomore quarterback Mac Jones continued into training camp in the form of targets. And on a 53-man roster that no longer includes a fullback, two-tight end sets will take a larger share of the personnel packages in a renovated offense.

Veteran Matt Sokol and rookie Jalen Wydermyer round out the depth chart on the practice squad after the Patriots waived former third-round picks Dalton Keene and Devin Asiasi.

“Whatever is called, I just got to do what I got to do to execute, to help my team win,” Smith told reporters in July. “I don’t care where they put me. That’s just always been my M.O. I’m a team guy. Whatever the team needs to win, that’s what I’ll do.”

The Miami Dolphins host New England for the season opener at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 11. The AFC East kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.