The Green Bay Packers tendered tight end Robert Tonyan and cornerback Chandon Sullivan on Tuesday. Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first reported the news about Tonyan and Ian Rapoport tweeted the news about Sullivan.
The #Packers just tendered RFA CB Chandon Sullivan, per the Katz Bros.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2021
Tonyan’s tender is worth $3.384 million. If another team decides to make an offer and the Packers do not match it, Green Bay will be compensated with a second-round pick. It is unlikely that another team will be willing to give up a second-round pick, so Tonyan will likely remain in Green Bay for at least one more year. However, other tight ends have received large contracts already this offseason, so it is not a guarantee that Tonyan will stay with the Packers.
The #Packers have submitted a $3.384 million restricted free agent tender to TE Robert Tonyan, which sets the compensation at a 2nd-round pick if the team were not to match an offer, a source said. It pretty much guarantees Tonyan will be back and could lead to a long-term deal.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) March 16, 2021
The Packers also placed a right of first refusal tender on Sullivan. That tender is worth $2.133 million but the team will not receive a draft pick in compensation if another team signs him.
Tonyan and Sullivan in 2020
Tonyan emerged as one of the breakout stars on a loaded offense in 2020. He started just two games combined and caught 14 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, he turned into one of Aaron Rodgers’ favorite weapons, catching 11 touchdowns on the season. He tied with All-Pro Travis Kelce to lead all tight ends in touchdown receptions. Despite his success, he was not selected for the Pro Bowl.
Sullivan played all 16 regular season games for the Packers last season with 10 starts. He totaled 32 tackles and one interception and finished second in the league in receptions allowed per slot-coverage snap. However, tackling and yards allowed were weak spots for Sullivan. He ranked near the bottom of the NFL in total yards and yards after the catch allowed.
What Does This Mean for the Packers Moving Forward?
Veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis remains unsigned although the Packers are reported to be interested in bringing him back. Lewis is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, while Tonyan has emerged as a reliable pass-catcher. Behind those two, however, are unproven Jace Sternberger and Josiah Deguara who both saw very limited playing time last season. The prospective return of Tonyan will provide more consistency on offense and stabilize the team’s tight end position. This tender also gives the Packers more time to work out a long-term deal for Tonyan if he continues to play well.
After All-Pro Jaire Alexander, the Packers struggled to find consistently good cornerback play last season. Sullivan started 10 games as the slot cornerback last season but had an up-and-down season. The Packers should still look to draft another cornerback or sign a free agent on a cheap deal. At the very least, it will provide some competition should Sullivan and others return in 2021.
In terms of salary cap space, the team is now more than $10 million over the $182.5 million cap. Russ Ball and Brian Gutekunst have been creative this offseason restructuring and resigning multiple key players but will need to do more before Wednesday. There is speculation that linebacker Za’Darius Smith could sign a contract extension that brings the Packers below the cap. Rodgers is another player who could restructure his contract to help the Packers get under the cap.
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