Patriots Will Need To Trade ‘Average’ & Pricey Free Agent Pickup

The New England Patriots  made some unexpected roster moves and NFL analysts want them to trade a free agent pickup. What does that mean? Head coach Bill Belichick should trade Jonnu Smith.

The Patriots spent a lot of money to get Smith. He signed a four-year deal worth $50  million. However, he had a disappointing debut with the team. Some may expect a rebound season from him, but most experts say that Smith is a tradeable asset. Belichick did his best to fill Rob Gronkowski’s spot, but Smith’s time with the team may soon end.

Greg Bedard from the Boston Sports Journal said that the Patriots will have to get rid of the tight end to improve their cap space in the next couple of seasons. In 2021, he had just 28 receptions for 294 yards and a touchdown.

“Jonnu Smith’s restructure had nothing to do with him or how Belichick feels about this team,” Bedard wrote. “If the Patriots believed in Smith, they would have extended his deal to smooth out the possible cap hits. They didn’t do that. And we all knew, going back to the offseason, that the Patriots would have to do something major to someone’s contract just to make ends meet by the end of the season.”

Patriots to trade the free agent pickup and save cap space

Smith is a really talented tight end, but he is not a good fit for the Patriots. Why would anyone say he’s “average”? Well, he should do better next season.

Smith now has the highest cap number on the team in 2023 ($17.4 million) and 2024 ($18.4 million),” Bedard wrote. “To get out from under that, they will need to trade him. Unless he has a huge rebound year, they are going to be in the situation as they were with Isaiah Wynn — no one wants that contract for an average player.”

The Patriots have to find the best solution for their situation. Getting rid of pricey players is always a top option for NFL teams. Smith may be the first to leave the team.