The Green Bay Packers made their first cut on the path to an initial 53-man roster, releasing safety Tra Fluellen to make room on the roster for the previously reported signing of veteran tight end Jonnu Smith.
Fluellen, who spent the 2026 season in the UFL, signed with the Packers on Aug. 11. He appeared in all three preseason games, playing 54 snaps on defense and seven on special teams. Fluellen is the first cut following the team's preseason finale win over the Arizona Cardinals on Friday night.
The Packers needed to make a roster move to make room for Smith, who is entering his ninth NFL season after spending last year with Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. A versatile tight end with a long history of receiving production, Smith has 345 career receptions and 30 career receiving touchdowns. He played under Matt LaFleur with the Tennessee ****** ans in 2018.
Speaking with the Packers Radio Network before the preseason finale on Friday night, LaFleur called Smith a "great guy" in the locker room and an "explosive" player on the field.
"I think he has a lot of versatility, moving him around. He'll bring some juice to our offense," LaFleur said.

#packers #lafleur #roster #room

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.
MORE: Previewing all 16 NFC teams & predicting every record in 2026
Dec 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.

#images #reuters

The Steelers are looking to find even more ways to utilize tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said the Steelers will continue to "push the envelope" with Freiermuth's usage, especially when the coaching staff recognizes opportunities to isolate him one-on-one against opposing defenders.
"Pat's done a great job of controlling the middle of the field," Angelichio said.
Freiermuth has established himself as one of Pittsburgh's most reliable receiving options since entering the NFL, and the Steelers appear intent on taking advantage of his combination of size, hands and route-running ability. His presence in the middle can create matchup problems against linebackers while also forcing safeties to account for him, potentially opening opportunities elsewhere in the passing game.
Last year he only hauled in 41 passes for 486 yards, as former OC Arthur Smith seemed to favor both Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington.

#freiermuth #angelichio

Jonnu Smith is gone, clearing the way for Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth to once again resume his role as the team's top tight end in 2026. At least, that's what we're hoping for.
From now until the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be ***** yzing every player on the roster. Here's a look at Freiermuth and what could be in store for his 2026 season.
Height: 6-foot-five
Weight: 258 pounds
Age: 27 years old

#jonnu #wire

Broncos named as landing spot for ex-Steelers, Dolphins 3,529-yard Pro Bowl TE originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
While the Denver Broncos didn't make a ton of changes to their AFC Championship roster from last season to this season, they did make a big move on offense.
The trade for Jaylen Waddle was a huge one, as it gave the Broncos offense a dynamic playmaker who proved his worth with the Miami Dolphins. So, it wouldn't be unfamiliar territory to sign a former Dolphins receiving threat this offseason.
Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports linked the Broncos to free-agent veteran tight end, and former Dolphins Pro Bowler Jonnu Smith, as a potential fun addition to the Denver offense for Sean Payton.
"TE Jonnu Smith: Broncos," DeArdo writes. "... Smith's skill set also meshes with Sean Payton's offense, which gives pass-catchers a chance to make plays after the catch."

Patriots urged to add offensive weapon Mike Vrabel knows well originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots have high expectations for the 2026 season.
The team surprisingly made it all the way to the Super Bowl last year, but they ultimately fell short, losing to the Seattle Seahawks. If the team wants to go all the way in 2026, they could look to add even more weapons.
Luckily, there's a reliable weapon still on the free agent market, and head coach Mike Vrabel knows him well.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently identified the best fits for the top remaining free agents. For veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, Moton thinks the Patriots make the most sense.