Remember when the New England Patriots splurged in free agency back in 2021 and signed both Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith? It didn't work out, as Smith lasted just two seasons before getting traded to the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the 2023 season.Since leaving New England, Smith has bounced around the league on a yearly basis. After one season with the Falcons, he spent one season with the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was recently relased this past offseason and has remained unsigned.Do the Patriots want to rekindle the magic of that 2021 offseason and bring the 30-year-old Smith back? It may seem like a bizarre signing, but it could make sense.The Patriots lost backup tight end Julian Hill to a season-ending injury earlier in the offseason. Now, the tight room will consist (likely) of Henry, rookie Eli Raridon and ... who else? New England has options currently on the roster, but neither of them have caught a pass in the NFL. CJ Dippre is entering his second season with the Patriots, while undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin projects more as a pure blocking tight end.Throughout his career, Smith has been used as a chess piece on offense. He spent his first year with the Patriots under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, so the terminology won't be totally new. Based on how he looked in Miami and Pittsburgh, there's still a little bit of juice left in the tank.Smith Is Familiar With Several Patriots CoachesOh, and he played under Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans for three seasons. If the team wants to bring in a familiar face, there isn't one more familiar on the open market.Nov 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith (81) breaks the tackle of Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Vaughters (93) in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images