BREAKING: Falcons Cut TE Jonnu Smith, Open Salary Cap Before Free Agency

The Atlanta Falcons released tight end Jonnu Smith, per ESPN.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Atlanta Falcons have parted ways with one of their top offensive weapons from last season.

According to ESPN, the Falcons have released tight end Jonnu Smith, who's $9 million cap hit was the ninth highest on the team.

The move saves $6.5 million in salary while coming with $2.5 million in dead money, per OverTheCap.

Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith (81) takes the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field / Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Across 17 games, Smith turned 70 targets into 50 receptions for 582 yards and three touchdowns. He was Atlanta's third leading receiver in yards and fourth in targets and receptions, while his three scores tied for second most.

"Thankful to have had the opportunity to be apart of an amazing organization," Smith said via X, formerly known as Twitter. "This season will be one of the most memorable years during my career for many great reasons on and off the field.

"Special locker room and special people all throughout the building."

Smith was a strong fit under former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, who was fired Jan. 7 after his third consecutive 7-10 season.

Jonnu Smith played under Arthur Smith for four years with the Tennessee Titans, during which he caught 76 passes for 887 yards and 11 touchdowns in the latter Smith's two seasons as offensive coordinator.

Now, both Smith's are gone - Arthur's the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator while Jonnu will hit the market this spring.

New Falcons head coach Raheem Morris dubbed the tight position a "unique hybrid" during his NFL Combine press conference Tuesday, and Jonnu Smith fit the bill - but evidently, the cap savings took precedent.

Atlanta's now at around $39.5 million in cap space, while its tight ends room features Kyle Pitts, MyCole Pruitt and John FitzPatrick.

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Pruitt and FitzPatrick are known more for their blocking than pass catching while Pitts presents the upside of the hybrid playmaker Morris wants at the position.

And with more cap space now available, the Falcons will almost certainly look to keep adding.