Why Jonnu Smith could be a key addition for Packers

Tight end Jonnu Smith has been in the NFL for quite some time, and he's had a ton of success for a third-round pick out of Florida International.

Is it possible for Smith to be entering perhaps the most impactful season of his career, though? That would be a tall task at 31 years old.

Smith does have two things going for him, though. The first is his experience. He's been in the league since 2017 and has played for the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Speaking of the Titans, the team that drafted Smith, he crossed paths with his new head coach, Matt LaFleur, when both were in Tennessee. In 2018, LaFleur was Tennessee's offensive coordinator. That's a part of why Smith wanted to sign with the Green Bay Packers now. He knows what to expect in Green Bay's offense. 

"It's what I signed up for," Smith said after his first practice with the Packers, according to the team website. "I've got some familiarity with what Matt wants to do and what he's done over the years. Obviously, he's evolved and has had a ton of success.

"So, I'm just going to continue to hit it how I've always hit it over the years and be a student of the game still, even in Year 10, and continue to be a teacher, as well. I'm the oldest guy in there by like five years. So, I've got some knowledge I can give out."

Jonnu Smith could be a great TE2 for the Packers

Smith may end up being a key addition for the Packers, and that's not just because of his institutional knowledge. Tucker Kraft is Green Bay's TE1, and there's a realistic chance he'll be one of the best tight ends in the league this season. He's coming off a torn ACL, but all indications in camp are that he looks elite.

The issue for the Pack is that before Smith was signed, there were a whole bunch of unknowns on the depth chart at tight end. Luke Musgrave is out indefinitely on the PUP list with a neck injury, and Josh Whyle caught just five passes last season, though he did catch a touchdown.

In Smith, the Packers not only have a veteran tight end, but he's a tight end who very well could end up being prolific as a TE2 in this offense. Last season in Pittsburgh, he caught 38 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, but he's one season removed from catching 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns with the Dolphins.

"When my number's called, I'm obviously going to answer that," Smith said. "I got a lot of ball left in me, and I'm excited to show that this year."