Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) makes a catch against Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26) during the first half at Soldier Field.
Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
The Green Bay Packers are adding veteran tight end Jonnu Smith on a one-year contract as they reinforce a position dealing with injury concerns entering the 2026 season.
Smith, 31, spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after earning his first Pro Bowl selection with the Miami Dolphins in 2024. His arrival gives quarterback Jordan Love another experienced target while Tucker Kraft works back from a torn ACL and Luke Musgrave deals with a neck injury.
Longtime NFL insider Jordan Schultz broke the news Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, detailing Smith’s career production while reporting his agreement with the Packers.
“Sources: The #Packers are signing former Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith to a 1-year deal.
One of the NFL’s most respected veterans, Smith has amassed 345 career catches and 30 TDs.”
Sources: The #Packers are signing former Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith to a 1-year deal.
One of the NFL’s most respected veterans, Smith has amassed 345 career catches and 30 TDs. pic.twitter.com/ZASVdIJUqV
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 27, 2026
Smith joins the Packers after recording 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns with the Steelers in the 2025 season. Pittsburgh released him in March, making the former third-round pick available before Green Bay added him late in training camp.
Smith enjoyed his best season with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, catching 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns to earn his lone Pro Bowl selection. He has totaled 3,529 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns across 141 games with the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Dolphins, and Steelers.
The signing provides important insurance behind Kraft, who returned to practice after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in Week 9 last year. Musgrave, meanwhile, has spent training camp on active/PUP because of a neck injury and could miss the opening portion of the regular season.
Financial terms of Smith’s one-year agreement have not been disclosed. With Green Bay opening its season September 13 at the Minnesota Vikings, the veteran now gives the Packers additional experience and proven receiving production at tight end.