(Adam Richins for BSJ)
Patrick Peterson
Final: NFL Free Agency, Day 1 - Jonnu Smith traded, Jonathan Jones re-signed
NFL free agency starts at Noon with the legal tampering period and deals will quickly be agreed to with the top free agents.
The Patriots kicked it off by finally getting rid of Jonnu Smith, who was completely useless in his two years here. The move frees up about $3.4 million in cap space and leaves $12.8 million in dead money.
The Patriots paid Smith $27 million over two seasons (plus another $12.8 in cap space this year) and received 55 catches, 1 touchdown and a seventh-round pick from the Falcons. Remember, he was their top free agent choice at tight end over Hunter Henry, who returned to the table to take the Patriots' initial offer.
As for what the Patriots will do, we gave you our Watch Lists in our top team need series, but to recap and we'll update this: