The Atlanta Falcons have cap space, but always figured to open up more of it ahead of free agency as they look to re-tool their roster under a new head coach. The first such move came on Tuesday, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Falcons have released tight end Jonnu Smith.
That marks the end of a brief but productive Falcons tenure for the 28-year-old Smith, who was traded to Atlanta from the New England Patriots for a paltry seventh round pick. Smith was reunited with Arthur Smith, his offensive coordinator in Tennessee, and flourished after a couple of disappointing seasons in New England, posting a career-high 50 catches and 582 yards to go with three touchdown grabs.