Packers make first roster cut, officially sign veteran TE Jonnu Smith

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 Titans 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.

Smith caught 38 passes for only 222 yards and two scores with the Steelers last season, but he was a Pro Bowl for the Miami Dolphins in 2024, when he caught a career-high 88 passes and scored eight touchdowns.

The Packers have to reduce their roster to 53 players by Sunday afternoon. It can be safely assumed that Smith will be one of the team's tight ends along with Tucker Kraft.

The Packers did not immediately assign a uniform number to Smith. He will likely pick one after final cuts are made.