Packers: Bringing TE Robert Tonyan back is big-time
TE1 is back. The Green Bay Packers and TE Robert Tonyan reached an agreement on a one-year deal ensuring No. 85’s return for the 2022 season. Tonyan, who is coming off of an ACL tear that he suffered last October, is on schedule to be ready to play at some point in 2022.
The former Indiana State Sycamore returning to the land of Lombardi is undoubtedly a smart move by GM Brian Gutekunst. If Green Bay was going to decide to not re-sign him, they more than likely would’ve had to pay a bigger price in free agency for a Gronk, an Eric Ebron, or a Jared Cook.
Green Bay saves money in this situation, which is important because they need help at another pass-catching position. In a year where the Packers traded away a legend in WR Davante Adams, they were still able to restructure the deals of/re-sign Aaron Rodgers, Preston Smith, De’Vondre Campbell, Rasul Douglas, Randall Cobb, and Tonyan so far.
They also have four top-60 picks with more cap space after the Adams trade. It is fair to say that Gutekunst and the Packers have done incredible work this offseason so far. This is still a team that is going to win the NFC North. But what will they do between now and April’s draft that can help them get to the Super Bowl? That is the question.
Signing Tonyan definitely helps that. Aaron Rodgers gets his top tight end back. Although he missed the last nine games of the season, Tonyan still set a career high in yards after the catch per game with six.
He also had more receptions, yards, and touchdowns in his injured season last year than he did all of 2018 and 2019 combined. Tonyan should’ve been a Pro Bowler in 2020 as he was tied for the league lead in touchdowns for tight ends. He also did not drop a pass in 2020. Rodgers’ completion percentage when targeting Tonyan in his last full season in 2020 was 100%.
The Packers have four tight ends that make unique impacts. Tonyan is the prime pass-catcher. Sixteen going on 17-year vet Marcedes Lewis is one of the best run-blocking tight ends in the entire NFL.
Josiah Deguara, who will be entering his third year, had a very good season as the third TE. After tearing his ACL in 2020, he followed up with 25 receptions, 245 yards, and two TDs. He will take another step this year. Both Deguara and Dominique Dafney can also play the “fullback” spot on offense. Dafney, a former bouncer in Dubuque, Iowa, has proven that he can be a good asset in short-yardage situations.
With Robert Tonyan back at Lambeau Field, the Packers’ tight end position is complete. Look for Deguara to step in and assume a lot of the pass-catching responsibilities as Tonyan works his way back. With Aaron Rodgers returning, this offense is in great hands regardless of who is out there.