The Green Bay Packers have gone through a massive roster reconstruction over the past two seasons. After failing to make the NFL Playoffs with Aaron Rodgers and other veterans, the organization made the decision to begin a youth movement on their roster. This meant that aging stars like Marcedes Lewis, Randall Cobb, and Mason Crosby were allowed to leave in free agency. It also meant that several other players were not brought back in order to give younger players a chance to play more.
Last season, this meant that Jordan Love was the new starting quarterback after three seasons of sitting behind Rodgers. It also meant that the team was going to completely redo their passing catching group save Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure, and Bo Melton. In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Packers selected wide receivers Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Grant DuBose and tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft.
Key Members of the 2022 Green Bay Packers Played for Other Teams Last Season
Rodgers, of course, was traded to the New York Jets in exchange for a first round picks swap, 2023 second round pick, and a conditional 2024 second round pick. Former Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard and Cobb joined Rodgers in New York, as did safety Adrian Amos for part of the season (he was released and signed with the Houston Texans).
Former defensive lineman Dean Lowry signed with the Minnesota Vikings and had the worst season of his career in 2023.
As mentioned, the Packers drafted two new tight ends in 2023, which meant that Lewis and Robert Tonyan would not be coming back. Both played for the Chicago Bears last season. For Lewis, it was his 17th NFL season, a NFL record for most seasons played by a tight end. He is currently a free agent.
Tonyan, however has found a new home within the division.
Former Green Bay Packers Tight End Robert Tonyan Has Signed with the Minnesota Vikings
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Tonyan, who played for the Packers for five seasons before playing in Chicago last year, has decided to keep his career in the NFC North. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Packers’ record holder for touchdowns in a season by a tight end has signed to play with the Minnesota Vikings:
Former Bears and Packers TE Robert Tonyan signed with the Vikings, per me and @JFowlerESPN. pic.twitter.com/gxhzxEi2mq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 16, 2024
Tonyan joins former Packers running back Aaron Jones, who was released by Green Bay earlier this offseason. They join a long list of former Packers players who have trekked across the border to play in Minnesota.
Last season, Tonyan had just 11 receptions for 112 yards and no touchdowns. Of course, he was playing behind Cole Kmet, who had 73 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns.
In five seasons with the Packers, Tonyan had 137 receptions for 1,437 yards and 17 touchdowns. His best season came in 2020 when he had 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. After tearing his ACL in 2021, Tonyan returned in 2022 to set a career high in receptions (53) while also logging 470 yards and two touchdowns.
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