The Patriots kicked off free agency in March with a bang, signing tight end Jonnu Smith to a four-year, $50 million deal.
The contract headlined an uncharacteristic spending spree for the organization. It was also a milestone in Smith’s football career — one that hasn’t always earned that same level of recognition.
“It’s an unbelievable blessing,” said Mike Kirkland, Smith’s uncle. “It’s what he’s always wanted. It’s a dream come true.”
Kirkland and his wife, Darla, still remember how Smith, who turns 26 in August, would talk about going to the NFL from the moment he arrived from Philadelphia as a young teenager to live with them in Florida.