For the better part of three seasons, Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis provided a sturdy backbone for the tight end position of the Green Bay Packers.
Exiting the 2022 season, the Packers probably need to begin a makeover at the position.
Tonyan, in his first year back from a torn ACL, has 45 catches for 372 yards and one touchdown. Among 41 tight ends with 20 targets, Tonyan ranks 36th in yards per catch, and he’s one of only two tight ends with at least 40 catches and one or fewer touchdown catches. After signing a one-year deal to return to Green Bay, Tonyan will once again be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Lewis will turn 39 years old next May. While a true stalwart as a blocking tight end, Lewis is in the twilight of his incredible career and may not get a chance to return to Green Bay in 2023. His contract voids after the season.
The Packers have just one tight end under contract entering 2023: Josiah Deguara, who has played only 182 snaps and received 13 targets through 13 games this season, his third in the NFL.
The tight end position is an important one in Matt LaFleur’s offense given its versatility in the run game and passing game. The Packers need to provide a jolt to both the talent and depth here.
Maybe Tonyan will return on another short deal and regain some of his burst as a route runner in 2023. Maybe Lewis will return for another year and provide one more season of reliable blocking. But it certainly looks like the Packers are headed for a transition period at tight end.
A veteran addition in free agency and a draft pick could be required to get the position back on track in the short term and long term.
Tonyan, Lewis, Deguara and Tyler Davis have produced nothing more than 524 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2022. In 2020 alone, Tonyan had 586 receiving yards and 11 scores. Despite Tonyan catching 80 percent of his targets, he’s still only averaging 6.6 yards per target, a far cry from his average of 9.9 yards in 2020.
The regression at the position started with Tonyan’s injury in 2021 and has extended into 2022, and now changes are likely coming.
The Packers have a clear choice coming up at tight end: run it back with the same cast of characters in 2023, or start anew. The results in 2022 suggest a new path might be required.
