Falcons releasing Jonnu Smith

The Atlanta Falcons are cutting tight end Jonnu Smith after one season, the team announced Tuesday.

The Falcons will save $6.5 million in cap space by releasing Smith, per Over the Cap.

"Thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of an amazing organization," Smith posted on X. "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 tallied a career-high 582 yards on 50 catches in 2023 and also hauled in three touchdowns. The veteran tight end was traded from the New England Patriots to the Falcons last offseason. He spent two seasons with New England after striking a four-year, $50-million deal with the franchise in free agency in 2021. However, he caught just one touchdown and put up only 539 yards over his two years with the AFC East team.

In Atlanta, he reunited with then-head coach Arthur Smith, who had been his position coach and then his offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans, the franchise where his career started.

A third-round pick in 2017, Smith has recorded 2,423 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns over his career, including a personal-best eight scores in 2020.