Smith takes Belichick praise to heart
Jonnu Smith said he was aware of how much Bill Belichick had praised him a few years back, when the Patriots head coach lauded him as “probably the best in the league” after the catch at his position.
The Patriots tight end was flattered, of course. And while compliments are usually taken with a grain of salt, this meant a little extra coming from Belichick.
“Coming from him, you can’t maybe take that with a grain of salt,” Smith said during a Zoom call with reporters Tuesday. “It’s definitely a pleasure coming from him. I don’t try to play this game to impress anybody. I play this game because I love it. Every play is played with love. But it’s definitely a good feeling coming from him.”
In 2020, Smith broke 14 tackles on 41 receptions. He takes pride in getting the tough yards after catch. He said it dates back to his years playing ball in Pop Warner and elementary school, “never letting the first guy bring you down.”
“The goal in this league is to score a touchdown,” he said. “If I gotta fight one or two guys from taking me down to score, that’s what I’m gonna do.”
Smith, the first free agent signing out of the gate for the Patriots, agreeing to a four-year deal worth $50 million, said he was thrilled when Hunter Henry arrived the next day.
“I’ve seen the success the Patriots had in the past with two tight end sets. I’m confident in their ability to be able to allow us to make plays and put us in a position to win,” he said. “I’m excited for the opportunity (to play with Henry). He’s a great tight end. I’m excited to be out there battling and competing with him. We’ ll make each other better.”
Smith mentioned he’s also heard from Cam Newton, and was looking forward to meeting the Patriots quarterback in person.
“He’s competitive, man. I’ve known that since I watched him in college,” said Smith. “I’m excited to go out there and compete with him.”
Karras happy to be back
Ted Karras likely returned to the Patriots thinking he would be the starting center, especially with David Andrews still weighing his options in free agency and the belief he was headed elsewhere.
But with Andrews back, signing a long-term deal, Karras looks like he’ll be the backup at center, and also provide versatility as the swing guard, filling in when needed.
Asked during a Zoom call Tuesday how he felt when Andrews ultimately re-signed, Karras, who signed a one-year deal with a base value of $3 million, answered in true Patriots fashion.
“Nothing is ever promised in this organization. I got the opportunity with the contract, and I’m going to have to earn any role I get. I’m not going to be slated in anywhere. I’m going to have to fight to contribute to this team.
“I’m so happy for David, he’s a great football player, a great friend. He deserves everything he’s earned … and I’m really excited to play with him, play next to him, and work towards winning as many games as we can.”
Karras spent the 2019 season as the Patriots starting center when Andrews missed the season with blood clots in his lungs. With Andrews returning last year, Karras left in free agency, signing with the Dolphins.
He was a captain, along with their starting center.
He said he’s grown “exponentially” having been a starter the past two seasons.
“To get better at football you need reps. And the O-line is among the highest of a repetition position. Being able to cut my teeth in this league against some of the best players in the world has been a great experience. I want to always continue to grow as a football player. Thirty-one starts the last two seasons is something I want to keep building on.”
Pats West
Cam Newton and N’keal Harry joined the group of offensive players who had already conducted workouts for a camp being referred to as “Pats West.”
Jarrett Stidham, the apparent ringleader of the group, posted a video on Instagram showing a glimpse of the workouts on Monday. Those in attendance included newcomers Kendrick Bourne and Henry, along with Jakobi Meyers, Matt Lacosse, Devin Asiasi, and Kristian Wilkerson.
With formal offseason workouts still unlikely, this is a chance for players to get together and get a start working on plays.