The Green Bay Packers have made a calculated move to strengthen their tight end group as the 2026 NFL season draws near. According to information, the team is signing veteran tight end Jonnu Smith to a one-year contract. The move comes at a critical juncture, providing essential depth and experience behind starter Tucker Kraft.
For Jonnu Smith, this signing represents another chapter in a career that has seen him play for five different teams over nine seasons. Most recently with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played the 2025 season, his production didn’t match the career-highs he achieved in Miami the previous year. Nevertheless, at 31 years old, he brings a wealth of experience and versatility to a Packers offense with playoff aspirations.
The signing addresses a clear need for Green Bay. With backup tight end Luke Musgrave sidelined on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list due to a neck injury, the team required more proven depth at the position. Smith, a former Pro Bowler known for his athleticism, is expected to provide a reliable option for quarterback Jordan Love.
Why the Packers Brought in Jonnu Smith
The timing of this signing is key for the Packers. Reports confirmed on August 26, 2026, that the team had agreed to terms with Smith on a one-year deal. This move was largely driven by the injury to Luke Musgrave. With Musgrave on the PUP list, the Packers needed an experienced veteran to fill the gap and ensure stability at the position.
Smith joins a depth chart that features Tucker Kraft as the clear starter, along with Josh Whyle and rookie Drake Dabney. While Kraft is expected to handle the majority of the snaps, Smith provides a reliable option who can contribute immediately in both the passing and running games.
For Green Bay, this is a low-risk, high-reward signing. They are getting a player who, despite a quiet 2025 season, is just two years removed from a Pro Bowl campaign. His experience in various offensive systems is a bonus for a team with high expectations.
Jonnu Smith’s Journey to Green Bay
Jonnu Smith’s path to the Packers has been eventful. He entered the league as a third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2017 NFL Draft. During his four years in Tennessee, he showed steady improvement as a receiver and blocker. After his time with the Titans, he had stints with the New England Patriots for two seasons, followed by a year with the Atlanta Falcons.
His career reached new heights with the Miami Dolphins in 2024. That season, he put up career-best numbers, catching 88 passes for 884 receiving yards and scoring eight touchdowns. His performance earned him his first and only Pro Bowl selection. His 884 receiving yards also set a Dolphins franchise record for a tight end.
The Trade to Pittsburgh and the 2025 Season
Despite his success in Miami, Smith was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a blockbuster deal on June 30, 2025. The trade involved the Steelers sending safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the Dolphins and receiving cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, along with a seventh-round draft pick, while the Steelers received a fifth-round pick from Miami.
The reunion with former Titans head coach Arthur Smith, who was the offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, was expected to be beneficial. However, it didn’t translate to the same level of production. In the 2025 season, he played in all 17 games but saw limited action in the passing game. He finished the season with 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns, along with 9 carries for 70 yards and a rushing touchdown.
His performance was considered one of the more disappointing acquisitions for the Steelers that season. The Steelers released him ahead of the new league year in March 2026, saving approximately seven million dollars in salary cap space.
Jonnu Smith’s Career Stats at a Glance
Over his nine-year career, Jonnu Smith has proven to be a consistent and versatile player. He has appeared in 141 games and started 91 of them. His career statistics highlight his dual-threat ability as both a receiver and a rusher.
Receiving Stats:
• 345 receptions
• 3,529 receiving yards
• 30 receiving touchdowns
Rushing Stats:
• 196 rushing yards
• 2 rushing touchdowns
His 2024 season remains the statistical highlight of his career, showcasing his ability to be a primary target in a high-powered offense.
What Jonnu Smith Brings to the Packers Offense
Head coach Matt LaFleur is known for his creative offensive schemes, and Jonnu Smith’s skill set is a strong fit. He is more than just a traditional tight end; his athleticism is his greatest asset.
Versatility in the Passing Game
Smith has the athletic ability to be effective in multiple alignments. He can line up as a traditional in-line tight end, in the slot, or even out wide as a receiver. This flexibility creates mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His 28 career carries also indicate he can be used as a gadget player on jet sweeps or end-arounds. This versatility should allow LaFleur to get creative with the play calling.
A Reliable Target for Jordan Love
Having a reliable safety valve is crucial for a young quarterback like Jordan Love. Smith’s experience in running routes and finding soft spots in zone coverage will be valuable. While he likely won’t be the primary option in Green Bay, he can be a dependable weapon in crucial situations.
Analysis: A Good Fit for Green Bay?
The signing of Jonnu Smith is a high-upside move for the Packers. It addresses a short-term need while potentially providing a solid contributor if he can rediscover his form.
Analysts point to Smith’s athleticism and LaFleur’s offensive system as factors that could lead to a bounce-back season. If there’s a head coach who can maximize Smith’s skill set, it’s likely Matt LaFleur. The combination of his playmaking ability and LaFleur’s scheme could be one of the more interesting offensive developments of the 2026 season.
From a financial standpoint, the one-year deal is a low-risk one for the Packers. They are adding a veteran presence to a young tight end room without committing long-term resources. The Steelers’ decision to release him saved them significant cap space, and the Packers are now benefiting from that move.
The Road Ahead for Jonnu Smith
Jonnu Smith is looking to revitalize his career in Green Bay and prove that his 2024 season was not just an outlier. For the Packers, his arrival provides a valuable veteran presence in the locker room and an experienced playmaker on the field.
He will have a chance to compete for snaps behind Tucker Kraft, but even if he serves as a primary backup, his contributions will be important. The Packers’ offense now has more flexibility, and Smith has an opportunity to remind the league of his capabilities. All eyes will be on how Matt LaFleur integrates his new weapon into the offense as the team prepares for the season.
