NFL free agency 2021: Best tight ends available

3) Jonnu Smith

Jonnu Smith had his breakout season in 2020.

Smith, 25, is becoming an unrestricted free agent at precisely the right time to cash in after setting career highs catching 41 passes for 448 yards and eight touchdowns for the Tennessee Titans last season.

Beyond his production in the passing game, Smith made real strides in becoming a complete player in 2020. Pro Football Focus gives Smith a 79.2 receiving grade and a 75.2 overall mark, as Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill produced a 112.3 passer rating when targeting him.

For the Titans, re-signing their ascending tight end is likely a priority, but that could prove to be a tall order. Tennessee currently sits $2.19 million over the cap.

If Smith hits the open market, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him stay within the AFC South and catch passes from Trevor Lawrence for the Titans’ rival Jacksonville Jaguars, or even make his way north to give Bill Belichick another game-altering weapon in the passing game for the New England Patriots.