The New England Patriots began to build their roster ahead of the 2023 season and they have moved on from a failed signing from the 2021 offseason.
Jonnu Smith has been traded to the Atlanta Falcons for a seventh round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft according to NFL Network’s . New England had previously not had a seventh-round pick in this year’s draft.
The tight end never found his footing with the Patriots. In 30 games played for New England, Smith only recorded 55 receptions for 539 yards and a touchdown per Pro Football Reference.
Smith signed a four-year, $50 million contract two years ago with New England per Spotrac.
Hunter Henry will now continue to be the leading tight end for New England. Since joining the Patriots in the same offseason as Smith, Henry has racked up 91 receptions for 1,112 yards and 11 touchdowns in 34 games played per Pro Football Reference.
New England Patriots Fans React to Jonnu Smith Trade
A main point of contention among Patriots fans was that New England was only able to get a seventh-round pick in exchange for Smith.
“a seventh round pick? that’s pathetic,” one fan said.
a seventh round pick? that’s pathetic
— kreisler ()
“I’m cool with it but for a 7thhhhhh?!? Cmon man,” another fan wrote.
I’m cool with it but for a 7thhhhhh?!? Cmon man
— Denzel Billy ()
“We should’ve gotten a third round pick, not seventh. Is that all we got? Horrible deal,” a Twitter user wrote. “I would’ve asked for a third and fourth or second to the fourth.”
We should’ve gotten a third round pick, not seventh. Is that all we got? Horrible deal. I would’ve asked for a third and fourth or second to the fourth.
— Lisa Lehrer Jacobs ()
Other fans were happy that the Patriots were able to free up some cap space.
“Thank GOD this opens up some more cap space and they’ll like pick a TE at some point in the draft,” a fan wrote.
Thank GOD this opens up some more cap space and they’ll like pick a TE at some point in the draft
— Ian DiCarlo ()
“Holy W cant believe they were willing to take on …read more
Source:: Heavy.com