The New England Patriots have been negotiating since the offseason began and the free agency window opened Monday afternoon, according to multiple reports.
First, NFL Network reported that the Patriots have agreed to trade a key piece of their 2021 spending spree: tight end Jonnu Smith. The team reportedly traded Smith to the Atlanta Falcons for a seventh-round pick.
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Jonnu Smith of the New England Patriots runs off the field during the Cardinals game at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Smith joined the Patriots before the start of the 2021 season after four seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He played in 30 games for the Patriots and had 55 receptions for 539 yards. However, he failed to become a more important part of the offense as he only racked up one touchdown in that span.
On the Patriots’ next agenda, the NFL Network reported that the team re-signed Jonathan Jones to a two-year contract. Jones has been with the Patriots since they signed him as an undrafted free agent in the 2016 draft. He has become one of the team’s best defensive backs over the past seven years.
Jonathan Jones of the New England Patriots during the Raiders game at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
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Jones played in 16 of the team’s 17 games last year. He had 69 tackles and a career-high four interceptions. He returned one of the interceptions for a touchdown, the first of his career.
Jones’ settlement came within the NFL’s «legal tampering» window. Offers cannot be made official until 4 pm ET on Wednesday. The team has yet to officially announce Smith’s deal.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the Buffalo Bills game at Highmark Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
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New England missed the playoffs in 2022 after finishing with an 8-9 record.