Brian Gutekunst and company went out and brought in some new depth at the Tight End position for the Packers on Thursday afternoon. Here's what you can expect with this new move.
GREEN BAY, WI: Brian Gutekunst and company went out and brought in some new depth at the Tight End position for the Packers on Thursday afternoon. Here's what you can expect with this new move.
While we have all witnessed the return of Tight End Tucker Kraft and the impact that he will have once again in this offense, the Tight End room, which has struggled with injuries throughout camp, finally has a new addition. Tight End Jonnu Smith, who is just a few years removed from a Pro Bowl season with over 800 yards, will head to Green Bay on a 1-year deal, according to Jordan Schultz. Smith, who has 345 career receptions, as well as 30 career Touchdowns, will bring a new veteran into the room that can also help in either the passing game or as a blocker in the run game.
When you look at the future of the Tight End room, Tucker Kraft is your obvious number one, but Jonnu Smith seems to easily slide into the Tight End two role, while I would expect that Josh Whyle will stay on the 53 Man Roster as the third Tight End. This move doesn't seem to bode well for both Luke Musgrave and Drake Dabney, in my opinion. Musgrave, who has a neck injury with no timetable to return, and Dabney, who has been fighting to stay in the Tight End room on the 53 Man Roster, both give some telling signals with this signing. This comes a day after both interceptions in joint practice yesterday were when Love was targeting the backup Tight Ends, and Smith adds a new type of dynamic to this room now.
When looking further into Smith's career, he has spent time with the Tennessee Titans (2017-2020), New England Patriots (2021-2022), Atlanta Falcons (2023), Miami Dolphins (2024), and the Pittsburgh Steelers (2025), all before landing here in Green Bay this afternoon. Though you could say that his best season was his Pro Bowl season in 2024 with the Dolphins, Smith has recorded two seasons of eight touchdowns (2020 Titans, 2024 Dolphins), three seasons with over 40 receptions (2020 Titans, 2023 Falcons, 2024 Dolphins), and was two shy of the mark in Pittsburgh in 2025. One thing that can be said of his game is that he knows how to get open; with 345 career receptions, he will look to bring some much-needed depth into the Tight End room.
Pack-A-Day: Packers/Cardinals joint practice report & key takeaways
Pack-A-Day: Packers/Cardinals joint practice report & key takeaways
Join Andy Herman for his FULL review of Packers/Cardinals and everything that took place at the final practice of Packers' Training Camp. Don't miss it!!!