BREAKING NEWS: Jonnu Smith, Patriots agree to 4-year deal, Fantasy Football Reaction

Jonnu Smith and the New England Patriots agreed to a four–year, $50 million deal, which includes $31.25 million fully guaranteed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Jonnu Smith signs with New England

Fantasy Analysis: While the offense isn’t nearly as fantasy-friendly, Smith has the chance to be the focal point of the Patriots’ passing game. New England tight ends combined for 21 receptions for 254 yards and one touchdown in 2020, so it is clearly a position of need for the Patriots, who have plenty of cap room. Smith is a difference-maker, averaging seven yards after the catch per reception over the last two seasons. $31.5 million guaranteed ensures that Smith will be paid like a top-five tight end, will be a huge part of the New England offense and has a legitimate chance to lead this team in targets next year. He does go from a Tennessee team that ranked third in run-rate last year (50.2%) to a New England team that called run at a 47.7% rate. 

The difference? 

He isn’t competing with A.J. Brown, Corey Davis and three other tight ends for targets. Smith should be viewed as an easy top-10 fantasy tight end with top-five upside if the quarterback play improves in New England.