Is 2026 the Last Chance for Luke Musgrave With the Packers?

The Green Bay Packers entered the 2023 NFL Draft hoping they had found their tight end duo of the future. Using a second-round pick on Luke Musgrave and a third-round pick on Tucker Kraft, the expectation was that both players would become major contributors in head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Three years later, the story has taken an unexpected turn. Kraft has emerged as one of the Packers’ most important offensive weapons, while Musgrave enters the 2026 season facing what could be a make-or-break year for his future in Green Bay.

Luke Musgrave Passed By Tucker Kraft

When the Green Bay Packers drafted Musgrave and Kraft in the same class, many envisioned the duo becoming one of the NFL’s best tight end tandems. Instead, Kraft has become the clear standout.

The former third-round pick developed into a key piece of the offense and established himself as one of quarterback Jordan Love’s most trusted targets. His combination of physicality, run-after-catch ability, and consistency has made him a centerpiece of Green Bay’s attack.

Meanwhile, Musgrave has struggled to gain the same traction. Injuries early in his career slowed his development, and he has yet to fully capitalize on the immense athletic potential that made him a second-round selection.

Availability Was a Step in the Right Direction

To Musgrave’s credit, 2025 was not without progress. For the first time in his NFL career, he played all 17 games, a significant milestone after durability concerns followed him through his first two seasons. He finished the year with 24 receptions and demonstrated that he could finally stay on the field consistently.

That may not seem like a major accomplishment for a former second-round pick, but simply proving he could remain healthy was an important step. The challenge now is turning availability into production.

The Packers Have Given Musgrave an Opportunity

One reason 2026 feels so important is that the Packers have effectively handed Musgrave a golden opportunity. Despite questions about the position entering the offseason, Green Bay chose not to make any significant additions at tight end during the draft.

That decision could be interpreted as a vote of confidence from general manager Brian Gutekunst and the front office. Outside of Kraft and a handful of depth options, Musgrave remains one of the primary tight ends on the roster. The pathway to meaningful snaps is there. The question is whether he can take advantage of it.

Trade Rumors Showed the Packers Were Listening

Perhaps the biggest warning sign came during the 2025 season. Reports surfaced suggesting the Packers had at least explored the possibility of trading Musgrave before the deadline. According to those reports, a deal may have materialized if not for concerns surrounding Kraft’s injury situation at the time.

Whether those rumors were overstated or not, they illustrated an important reality. Musgrave is no longer viewed solely through the lens of his draft pedigree. At some point, production matters more than potential.

Why 2026 Could Determine His Future

The pressure on Musgrave is amplified because of where he was drafted. Second-round picks are expected to become long-term contributors. Teams invest heavily in those selections and expect a meaningful return.

The athletic traits that made Musgrave an intriguing prospect have never disappeared. At 6-foot-6 with rare speed for the position, he still possesses the physical tools that made scouts excited during the pre-draft process.

But the NFL is a results-driven league. If Musgrave can carve out a larger role and become a reliable weapon alongside Kraft, he could reestablish himself as a key part of Green Bay’s future plans. If not, the Packers may be forced to explore other options at the position.

A Crucial Season Ahead

Not every player develops at the same pace, and Musgrave still has time to change the narrative surrounding his career. However, the margin for error appears smaller than ever.

With Kraft entrenched as the top tight end and expectations rising across the roster, the 2026 season may represent Musgrave’s best, and possibly last, opportunity to prove he can be more than just a talented athlete with untapped potential. For both Musgrave and the Packers, this season feels like a pivotal crossroads.