Jonnu Smith joins Green Bay to bolster the Packers

The 31-year-old tight end had been available since his departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers, after just one season in Pennsylvania. The financial terms of his contract have not yet been disclosed.

His arrival provides an experienced option at Green Bay, where the depth at tight end had raised several questions ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Why the Packers needed Jonnu Smith

Tucker Kraft remains Green Bay's number-one tight end. He now appears to have fully recovered from the ACL tear that had disrupted his pre-season preparation.

The situation behind him is less certain. Luke Musgrave is dealing with a neck injury and has not yet taken part in training camp.

The Packers also have Josh Whyle, Drake Dabney and Messiah Swinson, but none of them possess the experience or the passing-game credentials that Smith brings.

The veteran can therefore slot in immediately as a complementary option behind Kraft, or even take on a more prominent role should Musgrave remain unavailable.

Jonnu Smith reunites with Matt LaFleur

The new signing already knows Matt LaFleur. The Packers' head coach was offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans in 2018, during Smith's second season in the NFL.

Selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the tight end spent his first four years in Tennessee. He subsequently joined the New England Patriots before going on to play for the Atlanta Falcons, the Miami Dolphins and the Steelers.

Green Bay will be his fifth team in as many seasons.

That instability did not prevent him from enjoying the best campaign of his career with Miami in 2024. Smith caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, setting new personal bests in each of those categories.

NFL

A difficult season in Pittsburgh

The reunion with Arthur Smith in Pittsburgh was supposed to allow Jonnu Smith to build on his performances with the Dolphins.

His role ultimately proved more limited than expected in an offense that employed multiple tight ends. He finished the 2025 season with 38 receptions, 222 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games.

Those numbers fall well short of his output in Miami, but Green Bay will not necessarily ask him to become a primary target again.

His speed, experience and ability to gain yards after the catch can add an extra dimension to the Packers' offense. His presence also reduces the risk the franchise carries given the uncertainty surrounding Musgrave.

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