Jonnu Smith’s NFL Journey: From Packers Signing to Steelers Uncertainty
The Green Bay Packers have made a strategic move to bolster their tight end depth by signing veteran Jonnu Smith to a one-year contract, as announced by Rosenhaus Sports on Thursday. This addition comes at a critical time, with starting tight end Tucker Kraft expected to be fully recovered from his torn ACL by Week 1, but backup Luke Musgrave still sidelined with an injury. The Packers’ tight end room, which also includes Josh Whyle, Drake Dabney, and Messiah Swinson, lacks proven depth beyond Kraft, making Smith’s experience and versatility a valuable asset. However, Smith’s recent performance has been inconsistent, as he crashed back down to earth in 2025 after a breakout season with the Dolphins in 2024, where he recorded 88 receptions for 884 yards and 8 touchdowns. Despite this, his familiarity with offensive schemes could provide a reliable safety net for Green Bay’s offense.nnMeanwhile, Smith’s future with the Pittsburgh Steelers remains uncertain. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who previously worked with Jonnu in Atlanta, has been vocal about his desire to bring the tight end to Pittsburgh, seemingly hoarding players with specific skill sets for his offensive system. However, Smith’s role with the Steelers has been limited, and he is unlikely to be a reliable contributor during the playoffs, especially with Darnell Washington (forearm) sidelined. Smith’s addition to the Steelers’ injury report after a full practice on Thursday raised eyebrows, but he is expected to remain on waiver wires ahead of their Week 15 matchup against the Dolphins. His contract ties him to Pittsburgh through the 2026 season, but his fantasy football profile remains uncertain given the team’s potential offseason moves.nnFor fantasy managers, Smith’s situation is a tricky one. While he showed elite production in 2024, his 2025 season was a disappointment, and his current role with the Steelers does not inspire confidence. With Washington out, Smith might see a slight uptick in targets, but his ceiling is limited in a run-heavy offense. The Packers’ signing, on the other hand, could be a low-risk, high-reward move, as Smith could thrive in a system that utilizes play-action and misdirection. If Kraft’s recovery hits a snag, Smith could step into a significant role, making him a potential waiver-wire
Shimanta Das 
