Full Breakdown
Jonnu Smith Joins Packers, Adding Depth to Tight End Group
8/28/2026, 2:13:18 AM
Core Move: Packers Sign Veteran Tight End Jonnu Smith
The Green Bay Packers announced a one-year contract with veteran tight end Jonnu Smith on Thursday. The signing addresses a shortage at tight end after starter Tucker Kraft is recovering from a torn ACL and rookie Luke Musgrave remains on the physically unable-to-perform (PUP) list with a neck injury. Smith, 31, arrives after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers in early March.
Background: Injuries Prompt Roster Shuffle
Kraft’s ACL surgery in November 2025 left the Packers without a proven pass-catching tight end for much of the season. Musgrave’s neck issue, first reported during June minicamp, kept him off the field throughout training camp. The only other experienced options—Josh Whyle, Drake Dabney and practice-squad player Messiah Swinson—had limited production last season, prompting the team to seek a veteran presence.
Data & Statistics
- Career totals: 345 receptions, 3,529 receiving yards, 30 touchdowns in 141 games (91 starts).
- 2024 (Miami Dolphins): 88 catches, 884 yards, 8 touchdowns; first Pro Bowl selection.
- 2025 (Pittsburgh Steelers): 38 catches, 222 yards, 2 touchdowns in 17 games (seven starts).
- Physical profile: 6-foot-3, 248 lb.
Timeline
- March 5, 2026: Steelers released Smith, clearing $7 million in cap space.
- July 31, 2026: Tucker Kraft activated off the PUP list.
- August 27, 2026: Packers officially announce Smith’s one-year deal.
Official Statements & Responses
Rosenhaus Sports, Smith’s agency, confirmed the contract via a social-media post on August 27. Head coach Matt LaFleur, who coached Smith with the Titans in 2018, was not quoted directly but is expected to integrate Smith’s “move-tight-end” skill set into the offense.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s a young player that is getting better every day,” — John Dunn, position coach
- “When my number's called, I know it's called for a spark, to get us going,” — Jonnu Smith
- “My faith has allowed me to know that I’ve been blessed with a gift that can’t go to waste, so it’s got to be daily work put in,” — Jonnu Smith
- “He's a very resilient individual that's a competitor and makes all his teammates better by the way he competes,” — Mike McDaniel, then-Dolphins coach
- “Lighting up the stat sheet doesn’t win football games,” — Jonnu Smith
Impact and Outlook
Smith’s profile classifies him as a “move” tight end—a versatile receiver who can line up in the slot, inline or in the backfield. Pro Football Focus grades show his run-blocking below average, while his pass-catching and yards-after-catch (average 6.7 YAC per catch) rank among the better tight ends in recent seasons. With Kraft expected to return gradually, Smith offers Jordan Love a reliable intermediate target, potentially alleviating pressure on the less-tested backups.
The signing also signals Green Bay’s assessment that Musgrave’s neck injury may keep him sidelined beyond the season’s start, as the team opted to secure a proven veteran rather than rely solely on untested options. Smith’s guaranteed salary becomes fully vested if he is on the Week 1 roster, giving the Packers flexibility to evaluate his fit during the final preseason weeks.
