Falcons Coach Arthur Smith Looking to Recreate Jonnu Smith's Career Form
Just moments before the start of the legal tampering period that kicks off NFL free agency, the Atlanta Falcons turned heads by trading for New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith.
Smith joins the Falcons with hopes of finding the same form he had with head coach Arthur Smith when the pairing worked toward with the Tennessee Titans, Arthur's tenure as the tight ends coach and offensive coordinator.
"The familiarity helps," Smith said. "Guys evolve and develop throughout their careers, but the familiarity helps. I was with Jonnu before he went to New England. You've got a jump start because you're not wondering how someone is in meetings and practice. You've got a lot of background and history with a player, which can accelerate what you want to do going forward."
Jonnu had a career year with Smith as the play-caller catching eight touchdowns in 2020. But it wasn't just a one-year wonder, as in two seasons with the Falcons' head man, Smith racked up 887 yards and 11 touchdowns before he signed with the Patriots.
For whatever reason, Smith didn't live up to the expectations in Foxboro after signing a four-year, $50 million contract. Yet Patriots head coach Bill Belichick still had nice words to say about the Florida International alum.
"Jonnu's a great kid," Belichick said. "Loved working with him."
As for what's on the horizon, Arthur will look to pair Jonnu with Kyle Pitts at tight end, giving them two playmakers who can line up inline or split wide and function as another wide receiver.
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