Packers Weighing Trade Options for Tight End Luke Musgrave

Green Bay could deal the 2023 second-round pick as he enters final year of rookie contract

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:52pm

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A cubist, multi-angled painting depicting a tight end making a catch, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the Packers and Dolphins uniforms.A fractured, geometric illustration captures the shifting dynamics at tight end for the Green Bay Packers.Denver Today

The Green Bay Packers are considering trading away tight end Luke Musgrave, their 2023 second-round draft pick, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Musgrave had a limited role last season behind the emergence of fellow tight end Tucker Kraft, and the Packers may look to flip Musgrave for draft capital rather than lose him for nothing in free agency next year.

Why it matters

The Packers have a history of trading away players entering the final year of their rookie deals, rather than re-signing them to lucrative extensions. This move would allow Green Bay to recoup value for Musgrave and potentially draft a cheaper, long-term replacement at the position to develop behind Kraft.

The details

Musgrave, the Packers' second-round pick in 2023, had just 24 receptions for 252 yards last season as Kraft emerged as the team's top tight end. With Kraft recovering from an ACL injury, the Packers could hold onto Musgrave as insurance, but they may instead look to trade him to the highest bidder, with the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens mentioned as potential suitors.

  • Musgrave was drafted by the Packers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
  • Musgrave is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026.

The players

Luke Musgrave

A tight end drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Tucker Kraft

The Packers' starting tight end who saw an increase in production in 2025, overshadowing Musgrave.

Brian Gutekunst

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers.

Jeff Hafley

The head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Malik Willis

The Dolphins' quarterback who will need reliable pass-catchers.

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What’s next

The Packers will need to decide whether to trade Musgrave before the 2026 NFL Draft or hold onto him as insurance while Kraft recovers from his injury.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the Packers' willingness to move on from players entering the final year of their rookie deals, prioritizing long-term roster flexibility and draft capital over retaining young talent.