Jonnu Smith Joins George Kittle, Travis Kelce as Highest-Paid Tight Ends in the League

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce have truly set the league on fire in recent years.

Just like Rob Gronkowski did with the New England Patriots last decade, Kittle and Kelce have broken multiple records over the last 2-3 years. Now, there is going to be another player gunning for glory in the same position by the name of Jonnu Smith.

The former Tennessee Titans’ tight end signed a 4-year deal with the Patriots worth $50 million earlier today. That includes $31.25 million guarantees.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport further reported that Smith is set to make a total of $12.5 million per year. That means that Smith will now be the 3rd-highest earning tight end in the NFL.

ALSO READ- Travis Kelce and DeAndre Hopkins are in a League of their Own Right Now

Jonnu Smith signs 4-year contract with the New England Patriots

George Kittle is currently the top-earning tight end in the NFL. He penned a 5-year extension with the 49ers worth north of $75 million. He is currently on a $15 million-a-year package.

He is followed by Chiefs TE Travis Kelce at #2 with a $14.3 million annual package. Jonnu Smith will earn $12.5 million in the next 4 years.

The former Florida International University player Jonnu Smith compiled 114 catches for 1,302 yards and 16 TDs. The 6’3″ athletic star was averaging 6.8 YAC over his career. The 25-year-old concluded the 2020 NFL season with 448 receiving yards and 8 receiving TDs for the Titans.

“(He’s) great after the catch, probably the best in the league. I mean, I can’t imagine anyone better than him after the catch,” Belichick said back in January 2020.

He will serve as a much-needed attacking option for Cam Newton and New England Patriots in 2021. Coach Bill Belichick and Co. are desperate for some offensive reinforcements as they continue their rebuild in the post-Tom Brady era.

The Patriots have enough funds to utilize in the coming weeks as they look to strengthen their overall roster. NFL Network correspondent Tom Pelissero also reported the Patriots have agreed with former Baltimore Ravens pass rusher Matt Judon to a 4-year, $56 million contract.

The report further added former Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Jalen Mills agreed to travel north to New England on a 4-year, $24 million deal.

Can the Patriots mount a challenge for a spot in next year’s NFL Playoffs? We don’t see why not. It seems like the good times are returning to Massachusets.

ALSO READ- NFL Insider Claims San Francisco 49ers Working Towards Trent Williams Deal