Packers 2020 offseason position review: Tight ends
Could more changes at tight end be on the way for the Green Bay Packers?
The Packers haven’t had much production from the tight end position in recent seasons, and that proved to be true again in 2019.
Green Bay entered the year with Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan and third-round pick Jace Sternberger.
Here’s our TE review for 2019.
2019 season review
After a disappointing first season in Green Bay, the hope was that Graham would take a step up in a new system under Matt LaFleur. But his good performances were few and far between, the veteran tight end finishing 2019 with 447 yards and three touchdowns. He made some important catches in the divisional-round win against the Seattle Seahawks, but too often he failed to make an impact.
Lewis was perhaps the Packers’ best tight end this season due to his blocking ability. He played on just under half of the team’s offensive snaps in 2019, according to Pro Football Reference, taking on a bigger role than he did last season under Mike McCarthy.
Tonyan didn’t make the impact many had hoped, finishing with just 100 receiving yards and a touchdown. However, he did miss five games due to injury.
It’s too early to judge Sternberger, who was activated from injured reserve in November. There were some encouraging signs late in the season, however, including his first touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
What’s next in 2020?
With his rookie season complete, expect Sternberger to take on a much bigger role in LaFleur’s offense in 2020. Not just for his receiving ability, but also his commitment when blocking. He’s going to be a player to watch throughout the summer. The Packers invested a third-round pick on Sternberger and he’ll be one of the top candidates to make a second-year jump.
Outside of Sternberger, the rest isn’t as clear at the position.
Lewis and Tonyan are both out of contract, although Tonyan is an exclusive rights free agent so there’s a good chance he’ll be back. Graham is a cut candidate if the Packers decide he isn’t worth the high salary and look to free up some room.
There’s bound to be some more turnover at this position again in 2020 as it’s hard to imagine all three of Lewis, Tonyan and Graham will return. It’ll just be a matter of how many of these three are gone, and how GM Brian Gutekunst plans to address the position.
Will he go after a top free agent like Austin Hooper or Hunter Henry if they are available? Or will he stick to the draft?
Once again, the Packers could make some changes at tight end in the offseason. It’ll be interesting to see just how Gutekunst plans to do so.