Packers pulled the trigger on a seriously swift roster move, bringing in free agent tight end Jonnu Smith on a one-year deal and making space by waiving defensive back Travion Fluellen. Smith officially put pen to paper on Saturday, locking in that one-year commitment after terms were agreed to earlier this week. This isn’t a minor shuffle, folks; it signals a pretty clear direction for their offense as the regular season looms.
A Blink-and-You-Miss-It Stint for Fluellen
Honestly, Fluellen’s time in Green Bay was over before it really began. He signed with the Packers on August 11, only to be waived on August 29. That’s less than three weeks! It is a brutal, quick turnaround for any player, especially for someone grinding to make a name for himself in the league. His journey has been a real uphill battle since his college days. He spent a single season at Houston Baptist before hitting the transfer portal and landing at Middle Tennessee State. There, he put in three seasons, playing 36 games and racking up some decent numbers: 197 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five interceptions, and 16 pass breakups. His senior year in 2023 was a highlight, where he finished third on the team with 64 tackles, added 2.5 stops for loss, and led the team with three interceptions and three pass breakups. Solid production at that level, right?
Why Jonnu Smith Now?
Despite those college stats, the NFL path has been tough. Fluellen went undrafted in 2024, eventually signing with the Saints as a college free agent. He spent the final five weeks of the 2024 season riding the pine on their practice squad, never getting into a game. New Orleans then signed him to a futures contract after that season, but waived him in June 2025, and he literally wasn’t signed anywhere else last year. So, for the Packers to cut ties so quickly, it tells you everything. They clearly prioritized Jonnu Smith’s immediate impact and veteran presence over Fluellen’s potential depth in the secondary. Bringing in Smith on a one-year deal screams they’re looking for a proven offensive weapon, right now. This isn’t about long-term development; this is about boosting their attack for *this* season. It is a calculated, fast move.
The Packers landed Jonnu Smith for the season, a definite signal they’re ready to integrate him into their offensive scheme immediately. We will definitely be watching to see how Smith fits in, and how much of an impact this veteran tight end can bring to their overall attack. This roster adjustment is all about immediate returns.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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