Packers Add Veteran TE Jonnu Smith in Late-August Roster Hedge

The Green Bay Packers looked at their tight end room and decided what they really needed was a 31-year-old who has played for half the league. According to Adam Schefter and Jordan Schultz, Green Bay is signing free-agent tight end Jonnu Smith to a one-year deal.

This move is the ultimate front-office hedge. The team keeps saying Tucker Kraft is expected to be a full go for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings after dealing with a knee injury, but you do not sign a veteran tight end in late August just to show him around the cheese curds. This is an insurance policy with a chinstrap.

"Adam Schefter and Jordan Schultz reported the one-year deal."

Smith is coming off a 2025 campaign where he logged 38 receptions for 222 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Those are not exactly the kind of numbers that keep defensive coordinators awake at night. That is roughly six yards a catch, which is the football equivalent of a sensible minivan.

Green Bay is coming off a 33-13 preseason absolute dismantling of the Denver Broncos. The offense looks fine, but adding a 248-pound veteran who knows how to block in space gives them some much-needed gritty depth before the real games start.

For anyone already mapping out their Week 1 prop bets, this is the exact type of signing that ruins a perfectly good Sunday. Smith is absolutely going to steal a random red-zone target and blow up a Tucker Kraft anytime touchdown ticket. Plan your emotional breakdowns accordingly.

The Packers wrap up their preseason against the Arizona Cardinals on August 29. Do not expect Smith to suddenly turn into a primary weapon, but do expect him to be on the field doing the dirty work while the younger guys get the glory.