Packers 2022 offseason position review: Tight ends
A year ago, the Green Bay Packers had great depth at the tight end position.
That may not be the case for much longer. With Robert Tonyan set to hit free agency and Marcedes Lewis not guaranteed to be back in 2022, do the Packers need to start over at the tight end position?
In our next edition of the Packers’ offseason position previews, we look at the tight ends.
2021 season review
Former third-round pick Jace Sternberger missed the first two games of the season due to suspension and was then waived after his suspension ended.
Robert Tonyan made a slow start to the year with 18 catches for 204 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. Just as it looked like he was rediscovering some of his 2020 form against the Arizona Cardinals, he suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
Marcedes Lewis continued to dominate as a blocker, while also seeing his role as a pass catcher expand somewhat. He finished the year with 23 catches for 214 yards, his most receptions and receiving yards in four years.
Unfortunately, a rare mistake from Lewis proved costly as he fumbled early on in the divisional-round loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Josiah Deguara did a bit of everything in the Packers’ offense and saw his role grow with Tonyan out. He finished the season with 25 catches for 245 yards and two touchdowns.
Deguara also had a big mistake in the playoffs, dropping what should’ve been a simple catch for a crucial first down.
What’s next in 2022?
There’s plenty of uncertainty at tight end for the Packers this offseason.
Tonyan, who is still recovering from injury, is a free agent in March. When will he get signed and will it be with the Packers?
Lewis is under contract for one more season. If Aaron Rodgers returns to Green Bay, we can assume Lewis will too. But what if Rodgers retires or is traded and the Packers enter rebuild mode? Releasing Lewis would save $2.45 million, per Over The Cap.
Whether Tonyan or Lewis return in 2022 or not, the Packers will hope Deguara can take a step up in his third season.
Will the Packers need to draft a tight end this spring?