The New England Patriots offense once featured quite the tight end duo on paper with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. The union, though, only lasted two years.
While Henry remains on the team’s roster, Smith has gone on to play for three other teams since departing the Patriots. But could New England bring back Smith for the 2026 campaign?
With Smith still unsigned in NFL free agency, that possibility exists. On Tuesday, WEEI’s Brian Ferzoco named Smith one of five free agents the team should still pursue this offseason.
“The Patriots also have a clear need at the position following Austin Hooper’s departure in free agency. Beyond Hunter Henry, who will enter his age-31 season this fall, the depth chart consists of blocking specialist Julian Hill and rookie Eli Raridon,” wrote Ferzoco.
“Considering how effective Maye was targeting tight ends last season, adding another experienced pass-catching option could be a smart move for New England’s offense.”
Smith spent the 2021 and 2022 campaigns with the Patriots. In 30 games, he posted 55 catches and 539 yards with one touchdowns.
During the 2024 season, Smith made the Pro Bowl with the Miami Dolphins. In that campaign, he recorded 88 receptions, 884 receiving yards and eight scores.
Why Jonnu Smith Could Fit With Patriots
When Smith played for the Patriots from 2021-22, Bill Belichick was still the team’s head coach. New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was also with the Las Vegas Raiders as head coach.
But Smith still has a previous connection with New England’s current coaching staff. Smith played for head coach Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans at the beginning of his career.
In four seasons with the Titans, Smith had 114 catches, 1,302 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in 60 games.
“Before joining the Patriots, Smith flourished in Tennessee under Mike Vrabel, establishing himself as a dynamic, versatile tight end. Since leaving New England, he has also found success with Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Miami, including an 884-yard, eight-touchdown campaign with the Dolphins just two seasons ago,” wrote Ferzoco.
“Despite entering his 10th NFL season, Smith has rarely benefited from elite quarterback play. Over the course of his career, he has primarily played alongside quarterbacks such as Ryan Tannehill, Jones, Desmond Ridder, Tua Tagovailoa, and a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers.
“If paired with Drake Maye, Smith would have the most talented quarterback of his professional career throwing him the football.”
To Ferzoco’s point, Drake Maye targeted tight ends 113 times last season. Henry had a majority of those, but Austin Hooper accounted for 26 of them.
Hooper left in free agency this offseason to sign with the Atlanta Falcons.
Would Patriots Signing Smith Be Good Idea?
The Patriots have a remaining need at tight end. Smith’s previous stint with Vrabel and New England makes him an obvious target.
Still, a Smith-Patriots reunion isn’t a slam dunk for a few reasons.
Smith severely struggled in 2025 after making the Pro Bowl during 2024. Yes, he had a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers throwing him passes, but that doesn’t completely account for a putrid 5.8 yards per reception average.
Perhaps the Pittsburgh Steelers misused him. Smith had just 4.1 yards per target versus the 8 yards per target he averaged in 2024.
But there’s likely a reason Smith remains unsigned in NFL free agency.
It’s also not like Smith had a great previous stint in New England. He didn’t reach 300 receiving yards in either of his two seasons. He also scored only one touchdown in 30 contests.
The Patriots should probably see what they have in rookie tight end Eli Raridon during training camp before signing Smith. New England selected Raridon in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
At Notre Dame last season, Raridon posted 32 catches and 482 receiving yards, averaging 15.1 yards per reception. He could have a lot more upside than the veteran tight end.
Patriots Urged to Pursue Reunion With Ex-Pro Bowl TE in NFL Free Agency