The Green Bay Packers are bringing in veteran tight end Jonnu Smith on a one-year deal, a move confirmed by multiple news breakers including ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This isn’t just some camp body, either; Smith is a former Pro Bowl tight end who’s got a history with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur from their time together with the Tennessee Titans. Getting a player who already knows the coach’s system can be huge, especially when you’re looking for instant impact.
Who is Jonnu Smith and What’s He Bringing?
This isn’t a rookie deal we’re talking about. Smith just turned 31, bringing a veteran presence to the locker room. He’s been a bit of a journeyman lately, logging part-time starter reps across four different squads in the last four seasons: the New England Patriots, the Atlanta Falcons, the Miami Dolphins, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers will officially be Team #7 for Smith, which is a wild stat on its own. It shows a player who can contribute, sure, but also one who hasn’t quite found a permanent home. Will Green Bay be that place for this season?
Smith’s playing style is fascinating: he’s a hybrid ball-in-hand tight end-fullback. He tends to line up off the ball more than in a traditional in-line position, which means he’s more about creating mismatches and making plays with the ball after the catch. This isn’t a guy you’re signing to block for seventeen straight snaps; he’s here to create offensive production. And speaking of production, he’s definitely an offensive weapon. Over the last three seasons, he’s played a whopping 1,815 snaps on offense compared to just five snaps on special teams. He’s a vested veteran too, which means his salary is fully guaranteed once he makes that Week 1 roster. That’s a solid commitment for a one-year flyer.
What This Means for the Packers’ TE Room
This move drops right into a fascinating tight end situation in Green Bay. Luke Musgrave, a guy with a ton of potential, is already slated to start the season on the physically unable to perform list, battling a neck injury. That’s a tough break, and it opens the door wide open for others. Tucker Kraft, another promising player, is also expected to begin the season on a pitch count, suggesting they want to ease him in or manage his workload early. Josh Whyle, another tight end on the roster, is apparently in a similar mold to Smith, which could make for some interesting position battles.
Smith’s addition likely means Drake Dabney gets bumped off the 53-man roster, which is the harsh reality of these veteran signings. But here’s the kicker: even with Smith coming in, the Packers might still be in the market for a “true Y” tight end, a more traditional blocking tight end, to play behind Kraft. That’s a role they reportedly lack right now. Whyle’s roster spot could be on the line after the final cutdowns, too. This signing doesn’t just add a player, it reshapes the entire tight end depth chart and signals a clear intent to add playmaking while they wait for injured players to return and figure out the best combination.
So, what’s next? For Smith, it’s about proving he can be a consistent playmaker on his seventh team. For the Packers, it’s about seeing if this hybrid weapon is the missing piece to ignite their offense while managing injuries. This one-year deal is a high-stakes gamble for both sides, and it’s going to be wild to watch how it plays out on the field this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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