One of the Packers most valuable offensive weapons will be back in the fold after the team extended tight end Robert Tonyan. The move, which converted over $2.3 million of his nearly $3.4 million deal into a bonus. The moved created a shade under $1.9 million salary cap space for the Packers in the coming season. On sites like bet-pa.com, this will work in the Packers’ favor.
Tonyan, who had 52 catches for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns, came into his on in his third NFL season. He started four years at Indiana State after redshirting in 2012. Moving to wide receiver from quarterback, Tonyan caught 54 passes in his second year, 40 as a junior and 56 as a senior.
Tonyan was signed by the Lions in May of 2017 to a three-year contract. In doing so, he became the 10th football player to reach then NFL out of Indiana State. After not making the Lions opening day roster, the Packers signed him to the practice squad for the final four games of the season. He was then re-signed by the Packers for the 2018 season.
Used sparingly over his first two seasons, Tonyan caught just 14 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns in 27 games. Last season, he started more than once in a season for the first time, starting eight times. His 11 touchdown receptions was tied with Travis Kelce for the most for NFL tight ends. He has wasted no effort in proving his worth to the team.
The added salary cap space from the deal is enough to take on the contract of Aaron Rodgers. Head coach Matt Lafleur is unsure whether or not Rodgers will appear for the three-day mandatory mini-camp. If he misses, he could be fined. Although Rodgers has become unhappy with the organization, LaFleur wants Rodgers to be starting behind center for the 14th consecutive season with the Packers. It is still anyone’s guess as to what will become of the situation and commentators are eating it up.
The Packers are planning on Rodgers to be on the team in 2021, which would be great news for Tonyan to increase his status among tight ends in the NFL. Rodgers and Tonyan have often found success together in the red zone. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of speculation as to Rodgers’ status with the team this upcoming season so we will just have to wait and see.