Jonnu Smith could be tight end option for Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
The 2021 offseason promises to be an interesting one for the Arizona Cardinals. Adding as much talent as possible should be the goal for a team that was one victory away from the NFL playoffs. One way that the Cards can do so is during the free agency signing period, which is scheduled to begin on March 17th.
One area of the Arizona roster that could use some help is the tight end position. Jonnu Smith, a third-round draft pick of the Tennessee Titans back in 2017, will be looking for a new contract. Could Cardinals general manager Steve Keim have interest in the 25-year old professional?
Smith, who played his college ball at Florida International University, had a breakout season last fall. The 6’3, 248 pounder hauled in 41 passes for 448 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 appearances (14 starts) for the Titans. Smith also added a rushing score for the squad, during a week-nine loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
As a rookie back in ’17, Smith totaled 18 receptions, 157 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 16 games (13 starts) for Tennessee. His numbers improved slightly in 2018, when he registered 20 catches for 258 yards and three scores in 13 contests (12 starts). In 2019, Smith tallied 41 receptions, 439 yards and three more touchdowns in 16 matchups (14 starts) for the Titans franchise.
At the time of this writing, the Cards have just two tight ends under contract for the ’21 campaign. Maxx Williams, a sixth-year veteran, inked a two-year extension with the club back in November of ’19. Ian Bunting, a third-year pro, was signed to a “futures” deal by Arizona last month.
Dan Arnold, acquired by the Cardinals in December of ’19, was the team’s most productive tight end in 2020. The 6’6, 220 pounder caught 31 balls for 438 yards and four scores in 16 appearances (five starts) for the Redbirds. Arnold will become an unrestricted free agent in March, and could very well take his talents elsewhere.
Smith would be an intriguing addition to head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s “Air Raid” offense. Arizona’s interest in the Titans pass-catcher will be determined when free agency gets underway in the coming weeks.