The Green Bay Packers strengthened their tight end group by agreeing to a one-year contract with Jonnu Smith, a 31-year-old veteran who spent the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The move was reported Thursday, Aug. 27, by Adam Schefter and comes just before NFL teams must finalize their 53-man rosters. Smith brings experience, production and a recent Pro Bowl résumé after earning the honor in 2024. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Who is Jonnu Smith?
Jonnu Smith entered the NFL in 2017 and has built a nine-season career in the league. Before joining Pittsburgh, he spent time with Tennessee, New England and Miami.
His biggest individual recognition came in 2024, when he was selected to the Pro Bowl while playing for the Dolphins.
During the 2025 season with Pittsburgh, Smith appeared in all 17 games and started seven. He finished the year with 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Why did Green Bay need another tight end?
Smith's arrival provides additional depth at a position that could play an important role in the Packers' offense.
Green Bay now has an experienced player who can be used as a receiver and in different offensive formations. His ability to create opportunities in the passing game gives quarterback Jordan Love another option.
Smith's experience could also be valuable for a group still working to determine its final combination of players before the regular season begins.
Smith arrives after a season in Pittsburgh
The veteran spent the previous campaign with the Steelers, where he was part of an offense that distributed responsibilities among several receivers and tight ends.
Although his statistics were not spectacular, Smith appeared in all 17 games and started seven. That availability could be one of the factors Green Bay values as it adds him so close to the start of the season.
He will now have to quickly learn the Packers' system and compete for repetitions with the tight ends already on the roster.
A low-risk move for Green Bay
The one-year agreement allows the Packers to add experience without making a long-term commitment. At a point when teams are trimming rosters and evaluating the final available pieces, having a proven veteran can be particularly useful.
Smith will have to quickly show that he can still contribute consistently, but his experience in multiple offensive systems should make the transition easier.
His recent Pro Bowl selection also demonstrates that he has been capable of producing at a high level in the NFL.
What can Jonnu Smith bring to the Packers?
Smith can primarily contribute as a receiver from the tight end position. His experience also allows Green Bay to use different formations and create additional variations in the passing game.
For Jordan Love, another option in the middle of the field could help distribute targets among the different members of the offense.
Green Bay does not necessarily need Smith to become the team's statistical leader at tight end. His value could come from complementing the rest of the group and providing experience in specific situations.
Time will be a factor
The signing comes near the end of the preseason, meaning Smith will have limited time to learn the offensive system before regular-season games begin.
The priority will be quickly learning the team's terminology, blocking responsibilities and routes within Green Bay's offensive system.
For the Packers, the move represents an opportunity to add experience at a low cost and increase the options around Jordan Love. For Jonnu Smith, it is another chance to prove that he can still play a meaningful role in an NFL offense.
With the 2026 season approaching, the new tight end will need to adapt quickly. If he does, Green Bay will have added an experienced piece who could prove useful throughout a season in which small details can make a major difference.