Following the 2022 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers decided to rebuild their roster. In doing so, they transformed themselves from one of oldest teams in the NFL into the absolute youngest. The most noteworthy decision that was part of this process was trading Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets and handing the keys of the offense over to Jordan Love.
However, there were other previously important veterans that were allowed to leave in free agency as well. This was true at the tight end position, in particular. Both Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis were not re-signed, and both joined the Chicago Bears for the 2023 season.
Of course, they were replaced by two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Luke Musgrave was selected in the second round and Tucker Kraft in the third.
Former Green Bay Packers Tight End Robert Tonyan Has Traveled Through the NFC North
Green Bay Packers, Robert Tonyan
Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Robert Tonyan (18) reacts after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo
Prior to joining the Packers in 2018, Tonyan was on the Detroit Lions practice squad after signing with them as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He started to get some playing time with Green Bay the following year, recording his first touchdown reception in 2018.
But Tonyan’s breakout season came in 2020 as one of Rodgers’ most reliable weapons in the passing game. That year, he had 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns, tying a single-season franchise record for touchdown receptions by a tight end.
The following year, though, Tonyan tore his ACL and missed the remainder of the season. Even though he returned in 2022, he was not the same player that he was prior to his injury. With Green Bay getting younger, he was allowed to leave in free agency.
As mentioned, he signed with the Bears for the 2023 season, but only caught 11 passes for 112 yards. Last season, he spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, but was only elevated from the practice squad for five games. He did not record a single catch.
Former Green Bay Packers Tight End Marcedes Lewis Has Signed with the Kansas City Chiefs
Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan, Kansas City Chiefs
Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan (85) celebrates a touchdown reception during the third quarter of their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman
Minnesota released Tonyan before the 2024 NFL season ended, and he spent the remainder of the year on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad.
On Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Kansas City had decided to bring Tonyan back for 2025:
Veteran TE Robert Tonyan signed with the #Chiefs.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2025
The Chiefs will have future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce back for next season, so Tonayn is not going to be a starter by any means. However, he provides depth at the position in the event of any injury.
For his career, Tonyan has 148 receptions for 1,549 yards and 17 touchdowns.
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