The Atlanta Falcons kicked off one of the wildest offseasons in recent memory by acquiring tight end Jonnu Smith via trade with the New England Patriots. The 27-year-old will reunite with his former offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, as Atlanta’s No. 2 tight end behind Kyle Pitts.
On Wednesday, the Falcons announced that Jonnu Smith will wear the No. 81 for the team this season. It’s the same number that Smith has worn for his entire six-year NFL career.
Easy number choice for @Easymoney_81 pic.twitter.com/o27HFsnv8k
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 12, 2023
Last season, Smith recorded 27 catches for 245 receiving yards in 14 games for the Patriots. While the former third-round pick’s two-year run in New England was underwhelming, he thrived for the Titans under Arthur Smith during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Over that two-year span in Tennessee, Jonnu Smith racked up 887 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns before signing with the Patriots in 2021. The Falcons are hoping to recreate some of that Tennessee magic in Atlanta this season.
