Packers Add Veteran Tight End Jonnu Smith to Boost Passing Attack
The Packers have added tight end Jonnu Smith, who had 88 catches in 2024 but just 38 last year with Pittsburgh. His career average of 6.7 yards after catch per reception should help quarterback Jordan Love, who struggled with YAC when Tucker Kraft was out. Smith turned 31 on Aug. 22 and joins a contending team.
Smith's production dipped sharply in Pittsburgh, where his 5.8 yards per catch ranked as the worst single-season mark for any tight end with at least 35 receptions in league history. His career YAC average of 6.7 yards per catch, however, ranked near the top of the position last season, and he has caught over 70 percent of his targets in each of the past four years with just 11 drops total.
The Packers' passing game suffered noticeably when Tucker Kraft missed time, with Love receiving the second-most YAC in the eight games Kraft played but the least in the final nine games without him. Smith also reunites with coach Matt LaFleur from their shared 2018 season in Tennessee, when Smith posted a career-best 12.9 yards per catch. With Luke Musgrave on the PUP list and John FitzPatrick unsigned, Green Bay needed a proven second tight end.
This signing could meaningfully affect the Packers' playoff outlook, as adding a reliable receiving tight end may stabilize an offense that struggled to generate yards after the catch when key personnel were unavailable. Fans and fantasy football participants could see shifts in how the team distributes targets, while opponents may need to adjust defensive coverage schemes. The move also reflects a broader league trend of valuing versatile tight ends as matchup weapons rather than traditional blockers, which could influence how other contending teams approach roster construction.