Tennessee Titans Trade Idea Brings Back Former TE
The whispers started as faint murmurs, growing louder with each passing week of the NFL offseason. In Nashville, a city known for its honky-tonk bars and passionate football faithful, the discussion often circles back to one enduring question: how can the Tennessee Titans ascend to consistent contender status? General Manager Ran Carthon and Head Coach Brian Callahan are diligently crafting a new vision, but sometimes, the path forward might involve a nostalgic glance backward. The idea, once a fringe fantasy, now holds a compelling logic that could address a critical need for the Titans: bringing back a familiar, dynamic tight end who has recently rediscovered his elite form – Jonnu Smith.
Smith’s journey since departing Nashville after the 2020 season has been a winding one. From a hefty contract with the New England Patriots that didn’t quite pan out, to a productive but brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons, his career seemed to be searching for a consistent high. Then came 2024, and his arrival in Miami sparked a renaissance. With the Dolphins, Smith wasn’t just good; he was exceptional, setting career-highs and, remarkably, breaking franchise records for a tight end with 88 receptions, 884 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns. He cemented himself as a Pro Bowl caliber player, a true dual-threat weapon capable of stretching the seam and excelling after the catch. His recent holdout from mandatory minicamp in Miami, reportedly seeking a new contract, has created an intriguing ripple in the NFL trade waters, one that the Titans should monitor with intense interest.
The Titans’ current tight end room is led by the promising Chigoziem Okonkwo, a player with explosive potential and impressive athleticism. Josh Whyle offers a solid complementary piece, and other young talents round out the depth chart. However, as dynamic as Okonkwo can be, the Titans’ offense under Callahan could vastly benefit from another proven, versatile tight end. Imagine an offense that can seamlessly shift between different personnel groupings, leveraging two tight ends who can both block effectively and serve as legitimate receiving threats. This is where Jonnu Smith’s return makes immense sense. His physicality as a blocker, combined with his refined route-running and ability to break tackles, would open up the playbook significantly for Will Levis or whoever ultimately commands the Titans’ offense.
For the Titans, the allure of Smith isn’t just about his recent production; it’s about his intimate knowledge of the organization, the city, and the culture. He spent four formative years in Nashville, developing into the player he is today. A return would minimize the transition period often associated with new acquisitions. He understands the demanding nature of the AFC South, the intensity of rivalry games, and the expectations of the fanbase. This isn’t merely a mercenary coming in for a paycheck; this is a player returning to a place where he has roots, where he knows he can thrive. The familiarity could accelerate his integration into Callahan’s scheme, allowing him to contribute immediately and at a high level.
From the Dolphins’ perspective, the situation is complex. Smith’s breakout 2024 season has elevated his value, but also created a potential salary cap dilemma. He’s currently under contract for 2025 at approximately $3.49 million, a relative bargain given his production, but he’s undoubtedly looking for a long-term deal that reflects his market value as one of the league’s top tight ends. Miami, currently projected to be tight on cap space in 2025, might find themselves in a difficult position. While his agent has publicly stated Smith’s desire to remain in South Florida, the business of the NFL often dictates hard decisions. If the Dolphins are unwilling or unable to meet his contract demands, or if his holdout becomes a protracted issue, trading him for draft capital becomes a pragmatic solution. A mid-round pick, perhaps a 4th or 5th-rounder, could be an enticing return for Miami, allowing them to recoup assets and alleviate future cap concerns, while still acknowledging Smith’s value.
The strategic fit on the field is perhaps the most compelling argument for this trade. The Titans have been striving for an offensive identity that is both powerful and unpredictable. Running multiple tight end sets with Okonkwo and Smith would present a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. Smith’s ability to win one-on-one matchups against linebackers and safeties, coupled with Okonkwo’s big-play speed, would create favorable downfield opportunities. In the red zone, Smith has always been a reliable target, using his frame and strong hands to convert scores. This added dimension would significantly boost the Titans’ efficiency in scoring territory, an area where many teams struggle. Beyond receiving, Smith’s blocking prowess is a key asset. He is a willing and effective blocker in both the run and pass game, which would complement the Titans’ commitment to establishing a strong rushing attack. His presence would not only help clear lanes for Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears but also provide crucial pass protection for the young quarterback.
Bringing back Jonnu Smith would also send a strong signal to the locker room and the fanbase. It would demonstrate a commitment to acquiring proven talent, even if it means revisiting past relationships. It speaks to a pragmatic approach to roster building, prioritizing immediate impact and a seamless fit over chasing unproven commodities. For fans, it would be a heartwarming reunion with a player who consistently played with passion and produced during his initial tenure. There’s a certain intangible value in bringing back a player who understands what it means to be a Titan, who has a connection to the city, and who clearly still has a high ceiling.
Of course, any trade carries inherent risks. There would be the negotiation of a new contract for Smith, ensuring it fits within the Titans’ long-term financial plans. His injury history would need to be thoroughly vetted, although his recent healthy and productive season in Miami is encouraging. The compensation given up would also need to be carefully weighed against the expected impact. However, the potential rewards far outweigh these considerations.
In an NFL landscape increasingly dominated by high-flying offenses and versatile weapons, the tight end position has become more critical than ever. The ability to deploy multiple dynamic tight ends allows for offensive flexibility, creating mismatches and keeping defenses off balance. The Titans have the foundation with Okonkwo, but adding a player of Jonnu Smith’s caliber, particularly one who knows the organization and is coming off a career year, could be the missing piece to unlock their offensive potential. It’s a move that blends strategic foresight with a touch of appealing nostalgia, offering a compelling path for the Tennessee Titans to move forward by bringing back a key piece of their past. The trade idea isn’t just about filling a roster spot; it’s about adding a known, impactful quantity who could help propel the Titans back into contention, transforming a speculative whisper into a roaring success story on the banks of the Cumberland River.
