Over the past few weeks, I have been analyzing each of the Packers’ unrestricted free agents by revisiting their 2021 seasons, assessing why they should or should not be re-signed, projecting possible contract terms, and making a prediction on whether or not the player will return in 2022.
Next up in the series, Robert Tonyan suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8 at Arizona. The veteran tight end was just starting to come on after a slow start. Will he be rewarded with a new contract that keeps him in Green Bay moving forward?
Season In Review
Big things were expected of Tonyan after he set a franchise record with 11 touchdowns in 2020, but the former Indiana State wide receiver caught only 18 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns in his first eight games. He was having a productive night against the Cardinals before suffering a torn ACL in the second half. Because of when the injury took place, it’s possible he’ll be ready for the opener in early September, but a return sometime in October is more likely. Even with much bigger names also out, an argument could be made that the Packers missed Tonyan the most in the playoffs.
Why Packers Should Re-sign Him
Matt LaFleur’s offense really needs a threat at tight end, and Tonyan’s the only player on the roster with the skill set to make catches down the field. And while there’ll be some intriguing options available in free agency and the draft, GM Brian Gutekunst hasn’t shown much of an eye when it comes to this particular position (i.e. Jimmy Graham and Jace Sternberger). The injury, coupled with Tonyan having only one productive season in his career, should keep his price down.
Why Packers Should Let Him Walk
Defensive coordinators studied Tonyan’s success in 2020 and made smart adjustments last season. The two big ones were taking away the bootleg and paying more attention to him in the red zone. That’s why the 27-year-old was on pace to catch only 38 passes for 434 yards and four TDs before getting hurt. Those aren’t numbers that get a tight end paid in free agency. Tonyan also isn’t much of a blocker, although he gives a good effort and has improved the past few years.
What A Contract Might Look Like
$5.5 million/1 year ($3.5M guaranteed)
Prediction
Unless Gutekunst has his eye on a specific tight end in free agency, it’s likely he’ll try to get a deal done with Tonyan before the draft. The big question is whether it’ll be a long-term contract or a one-year deal that gives the team an out after the season and allows the player to hit the open market again next March. Either way, expect Tonyan to return in 2022.
[yop_poll id=”47″]
