The Green Bay Packers had high hopes for Luke Musgrave when they selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But now, after three seasons hampered by injuries and inconsistent play, the Packers may be looking to trade Musgrave. There are several reasons that a potential trade would make sense. So, will the Packers trade Luke Musgrave before the start of the 2026 season?

Will the Packers Trade Luke Musgrave: Inconsistent Seasons

The Packers had a major need at tight end entering the 2023 NFL Draft. GM Brian Gutekunst addressed it by doubling down, selecting Musgrave in the second round and Tucker Kraft in the third round. Gutekunst figured this duo would be the solution at tight end for the foreseeable future.

The duo had contrasting skill sets. Musgrave possessed more speed and was a downfield threat who could stretch the field. Kraft’s strength was running after the catch and turning short passes into longer gains. By doubling down at the position, the odds were better at least one of these two would become a strong starter. Kraft remains a willing and decent blocker while Musgrave’s blocking is a weakness.

Musgrave won the battle in training camp and became the Week 1 starter as a rookie. He started until midseason when he suffered a lacerated kidney. He didn’t return until the final week of the regular season and by then had lost his starting job to Kraft. 2023 remains Musgrave’s most productive season. He caught 34 passes for 252 yards and one touchdown.

Since then, Kraft has been the starter, and he’s never relinquished the job. Musgrave received several chances to play when Kraft was injured but never took advantage of the opportunities. In fairness to Musgrave, head coach Matt LaFleur did not design plays to Musgrave’s strengths. He usually asked Musgrave to do the same things Kraft was doing in the offense. Still, Musgrave’s play has been inconsistent and disappointing overall.

Where Things Stand Now

Musgrave will enter the final season of his rookie contract in 2026. It is unlikely the Packers bring him back in 2027 unless Kraft truly falters.

Kraft indicated he expects to be ready to play in Week 1 after suffering his season-ending knee injury last season. The Packers also have more depth now at tight end. Josh Whyle enjoyed a strong minicamp and stood out as a receiver. The Packers also just signed Luke Lachey to be their blocking tight end. Other candidates on the roster include Messiah Swinson, Drake Dabney, and R.J. Maryland.

Expect the team to keep three tight ends, four at most, on the 53-man roster. Some of it will depend on who can contribute most on special teams. One or two more tight ends could find their way on to the practice squad.

Will the Packers Trade Luke Musgrave: Looking Ahead

The Packers have options as they head into training camp. They could keep Musgrave for one more season and let him depart next offseason. If they do that, the Packers will get a lower round compensatory draft pick in return at best. It will depend on what Musgrave signs for.

If the Packers decide to trade Musgrave, the return would not likely be much. They could add a player at a position of need in a one-for-one player swap. That could give the team an experienced running back or additional depth at edge rusher or the interior offensive line.

If the Packers opt for a draft pick in return for Musgrave, it’s likely to be a late day three pick, probably a fifth rounder at best and more likely a sixth-round pick. It’s not that Musgrave lacks talent, but in three NFL seasons, he has yet to prove he can be a consistent contributor to an NFL offense.

Trading Musgrave would make sense, but it isn’t necessary. It gives Gutekunst a certain amount of flexibility to make the right deal or turn down an inadequate offer. For Musgrave, 2026 will be a critical season. Whether he’s with the Packers in 2027 or elsewhere, this is his contract year, and a strong performance will mean a lot of money for the former Oregon State star.

 

 

 

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