Packers To Sign TE Jonnu Smith

Smith, 31, is two years removed from a Pro Bowl campaign in Miami that featured 884 yards and eight touchdowns on 88 catches. Those were all career-highs, and the latter two numbers led the Dolphins. But his production collapsed in 2025 after a trade to the Steelers. He made just 38 catches for 222 yards and two touchdowns and averaged career-lows of 5.8 yards per reception and 4.1 yards per target. Pittsburgh, no doubt unsatisfied with that production after giving Smith a one-year, $12MM extension upon acquiring him, released him before free agency.

In Green Bay, Smith could quickly carve out a role in a thin tight end room behind starter Tucker Kraft, who is coming off a torn ACL, and Musgrave, who could start the regular season on the physically unable to perform list. Josh Whyle and Drake Dabney primarily served as blockers last year, combining for just six catches for 39 yards across their 10 appearances and 228 offensive snaps. The Packers’ remaining three tight ends – Messiah Swinson, McCallan Castles, and Thomas Yassmin – are all former undrafted free agents who have yet to play a snap in their NFL careers.

If Musgrave is out to start the year, Smith could emerge as the Packers’ No. 2 receiving tight end. He has never graded out as a plus blocker, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), but he could serve as a big slot – as he has for much of his career – to complement Kraft’s inline work. A strong start by Smith could even put Musgrave on the trade block when he returns, as the 2023 second-round pick has struggled to consistently contribute in Green Bay and might benefit from a change of scenery.

Smith’s signing could also be a sign of concern regarding Musgrave’s 2026 outlook. Neck injuries are notoriously tricky to evaluate, treat, and recover from – Ravens star defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike missed all of last season due to his own. Smith gives Packers head coach Matt LaFleur a proven tight end who can provide steady play as long as his typical No. 2 is sidelined.