Falcons release TE Jonnu Smith

Field Level Media|published: 02/27/2024, 5:13pm EST

Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith (81) takes the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. credits: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons released tight end Jonnu Smith on Tuesday, less than one year after trading for him.

Smith, 28, set career-high totals in catches (50) and receiving yards (582) to go along with three touchdowns in 17 games (six starts) last season. He was acquired by Atlanta on March 13, 2023, from the New England Patriots in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Falcons will save $6.5 million in cap space with the release of Smith, who had one year remaining on his contract.

"Thankful to have had the opportunity to be apart of an amazing organization," Smith wrote on Twitter. "This season will be one of the most memorable years during my career for many great reasons on and off the field. Special locker room and special people all throughout the building."

Smith had 219 catches for 2,423 yards with 20 touchdowns in 107 career games with the Tennessee Titans (2017-20), Patriots (2021-22) and Falcons. He was selected by the Titans in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

—Field Level Media