Tight end Robert Tonyan is back with the Green Bay Packers on a one-year, $3.75 million deal worth up to $5.5 million, according to Field Yates of ESPN. Tonyan received a signing bonus of $1 million and is eligible to receive $1.515 million in per-game active roster bonuses. In addition, he can earn $1.75 million through playing-time incentives and making the Pro Bowl.
His cap number in 2022 will be under $3 million.
Last season came to an unfortunate end for Tonyan, who suffered a torn ACL at the end of a 33-yard catch and run against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. Tonyan was due for a big payday coming off a career year in 2020 in which he had 586 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns.
Despite a devasting injury, Tonyan still drew interest from multiple teams this offseason. However, the injury and his desire to remain in Green Bay and catch passes from Aaron Rodgers likely played a role in his return.
It’s an underrated signing for the Packers, who will be without All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams and possibly Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Tonyan is a true threat as a pass-catcher and is expected to resume his duties as TE1 once he returns from injury. The uncertainty lies in when that will be.
Green Bay may end up paying Tonyan for only half a season. But if he comes back healthy and can have a similar impact to his breakout campaign, the team will benefit, as will the player. It’s a win-win for both sides as the Packers keep a promising young tight end while Tonyan will again try to produce in hopes of getting a long-term contract.
