Report: Titans will not use franchise tag on tight end Jonnu Smith

One piece of the Titans’ offseason puzzle is now clear, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Tennessee Titans will not use the franchise tag on tight end Jonnu Smith, creating another need for Jon Robinson to fill.

Smith was a third round pick back in 2017. The 25 year old caught 41 passes last season for 448 yards and eight touchdowns. While the production wasn’t huge, Smith is a big time athlete and an obvious redzone asset.

For what it’s worth, the team still has until March 17th to get a deal done before Smith officially hits the open market. Smith’s salary in 2021 would have been around $10 million if the Titans tagged him.

Jon Robinson will also have to make a call on No. 2 receiver Corey Davis, who put together his best season as a pro in 2020. Adam Humphries has already been cut, while the team will not tender Kalif Raymond. It’s looking like a complete makeover for the Titans at receiver, and now potentially at tight end.