Packers add former Pro Bowl player days before NFL roster cuts

The Green Bay Packers are adding another veteran to their offense just days before NFL teams must finalize their initial 53-man rosters.

Green Bay is signing former Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to a one-year deal, giving Jordan Love another experienced option in the passing game.

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Packers add veteran experienceDec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Smith, 31, spent the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, catching 38 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games. While those numbers were a significant drop from his previous season, Smith remains an experienced veteran with 345 career receptions, 3,529 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns.

His best season came in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, when he earned his first Pro Bowl selection after setting career highs with 88 receptions, 884 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Packers are hoping some of that version of Smith can return in Green Bay.

There’s also a familiar connection. Smith spent time with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur when both were with the Tennessee Titans, giving LaFleur familiarity with what the veteran tight end can bring to an offense.

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Smith fills important Packers need

The timing of the signing makes plenty of sense for Green Bay.

Tucker Kraft is expected to be available for Week 1 after recovering from a torn ACL, but the Packers could still be cautious with him early in the season. Meanwhile, Luke Musgrave has been dealing with a neck injury and remains unavailable.

That left Green Bay looking for another proven option at the position.

Smith can provide insurance behind Kraft while also giving the Packers another versatile piece who can line up in different spots. He has played in 141 career games with 91 starts and has not missed a game since 2022.

The signing also comes at an interesting point on the NFL calendar. Teams are approaching the final roster cutdown, so Smith will have very little time to get comfortable with his new teammates and learn the offense.

Still, this is a low-risk addition for Green Bay.

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