Patriots consider signing Jonnu Smith to bolster tight end options
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 1, 2026, 12:01 AM
Last updated Jul 1, 2026
The New England Patriots are exploring the possibility of signing free agent tight end Jonnu Smith, familiar to head coach Mike Vrabel. Smith's experience and past Pro Bowl accolade with the Miami Dolphins make him a viable addition, particularly after backup Julian Hill's season-ending knee injury. This move would help enhance the Patriots’ passing game alongside starter Hunter Henry. If the team does not sign Smith, they may have to rely on rookie Eli Raridon as the second tight end, as previous backup Austin Hooper has departed to the Atlanta Falcons.
- •Julian Hill is out for the season due to a knee injury.
- •Jonnu Smith earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2024.
- •Austin Hooper has signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
- •The Patriots made a Super Bowl appearance last season but lost to the Seahawks.
- •Mike Vrabel is familiar with Smith from their time together.
- 12:01 AMYahoo Sports — Patriots urged to add offensive weapon Mike Vrabel knows well
"The New England Patriots could use some more firepower, so why not bring in a free agent Mike Vrabel knows well?
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NFL•Jul 1, 2026, 12:46 AMSeahawks HC Mike Macdonald No. 4 in Bleacher Report power ranking
- NFL•Jul 1, 2026, 12:15 AMNew England Patriots Training Camp Position Battles | Patriots Roundtable Podcast
- NFL•Jun 30, 2026, 11:53 PMBears WR Rome Odunze is studying the right receivers to transform the most disappointing part of his game ahead of Year 3
- NFL•Jun 30, 2026, 11:50 PMBroncos' major offseason decision at running back spot draws heavy criticism
- NFL•Jun 30, 2026, 11:44 PMDeebo Samuel could be perfect addition to Falcons' offense in 2026
- NFL•Jun 30, 2026, 11:12 PMCelebrating Mike Macdonald's birthday through growth in play calls
