NFL Trade Rumors: New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers strongly linked to $14M Pittsburgh Steelers TE

A to Z Sports’ AJ Schulte reports the New England Patriots don’t have a receiving threat in the tight end room beyond their longtime TE Hunter Henry. CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo reports that the Philadelphia Eagles’ top three tight ends, Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, and Kylen Granson, are free agents.YardBarker’s Thomas Martinez reports that despite having former Baltimore Ravens TE Charlie Kolar and second-year TE Oronde Gadsden II, the Los Angeles Chargers need a well-rounded veteran.All these analysts suggest that the Pittsburgh Steelers’ released tight end Jonnu Smith could fill the TE spot for either one of these teams. But there’s a catch. The TE room for each of these has changed significantly since the prediction and in the days leading up to the new league year.

Let’s check out how.

Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith projected for Patriots, Eagles, and Chargers

Boston.com’s Colin McCarthy reports that New England may not require a tight end with the re-signing of Henry and adding Julian Hill from the Miami Dolphins. But if the Patriots want to add someone else to the room, it would not be a big name like the Cleveland Browns’ longtime TE David Njoku, but instead someone they’ve known for a long time and with whom head coach Mike Vrabel has a history. Enter Jonnu Smith.

He joined New England when Henry joined in 2021. He played two seasons for them. Go back in time and Smith was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2017. He played for them till 2020. He had his best years under the guidance of Mike Vrabel, the then-Tennessee coach. He recorded 114 receptions for 1,302 yards and 13 touchdowns over 60 regular-season games for the Titans. In his final year with Tennessee, he accumulated career-high eight receiving touchdowns and 41 receptions for 448 receiving yards.

Pittsburgh TE Jonnu Smith would be welcome sight for Philadelphia QB Jalen Hurts

As for Philadelphia, the scenario has changed now for their top three free agent tight ends: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, and Kylen Granson. Goedert was re-signed to a one-year, $7 million contract, including a $4.25 million signing bonus. Calcaterra was also re-signed to a one-year deal after his four-year rookie deal worth $3.83 million. Granson joined the Tennessee Titans on a one-year deal. Jacksonville Jaguars TE Johnny Mundt was signed to a one-year contract.

The room is full, but analyst Bryan DeArdo suggests Smith would definitely be a welcome sight for quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Chargers projected tight end Jonnu Smith’s Mike McDaniel connection

Smith’s story becomes more interesting in Los Angeles because of his shared history with new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. McDaniel was the head coach for Miami, where Smith played one year. The one-time Pro Bowler recorded a career-high 88 receptions for 884 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns there.So, reuniting with his former coach may help build his camaraderie with quarterback Justin Herbert. DeArdo reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers TE would jump at the opportunity to catch passes from Herbert. The veteran would also complement 2025 fifth-round pick Gadsden II, who recorded 49 receptions for 664 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie season.According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, the Steelers veteran is projected to sign a two-year, $14 million contract, with average annual income of $7.3 million.Now, which team would be best suited for Jonnu Smith? Only time will tell…