This Will Be the Last Chance for Luke Musgrave to Make an Impact in the Packers Offense

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave has endured a bumpy first three seasons in the NFL. The former Oregon State star has seen his career disrupted by injuries and lost his starting job to Tucker Kraft. Musgrave will be entering the final year of his entry-level contract in 2026 so this will be the last chance for Luke Musgrave to make an impact on the Packers offense.

This Will Be the Last Chance for Luke Musgrave to Make an Impact on the Packers Offense: A Fast Start

The Packers selected Musgrave in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Tight end was a major need for the team entering that draft, so the GM Brian Gutekunst doubled down at the position, adding Kraft in the third round.

The two rookies battled for the starting job in training camp and Musgrave won the job. He played the first 10 games of the season before suffering a lacerated kidney. He managed to return for one game at the end of the season, but since then, he has never regained the starting job. Kraft took over as the team’s top tight end and has held that job when healthy since then.

Musgrave caught 34 passes as a rookie for 352 yards and one touchdown. He played 11 games and started nine. All of those marks remain career highs.

Two Years of Struggles

Over the last two seasons, Musgrave continued to be the backup whenever Kraft was healthy. The 2024 season was the toughest for the former Oregon State star. An ankle injury limited him to just seven games in his second season. He caught just seven passes for 45 yards in a limited role.

Last season, Musgrave again started as the backup tight end. But when Kraft suffered a season-ending injury midway through the year, Musgrave took over as the starter. Unfortunately, Musgrave did not step up and take full advantage of the opportunity. Part of it was not his fault.

Shortly after Kraft’s injury, head coach Matt LaFleur expressed confidence in Musgrave. “Luke’s a guy that we’ve got a ton of confidence in,” LaFleur explained. “I think his career got started off facing a little adversity, being in and out of the lineup with some injuries, but what he does bring is he definitely brings a vertical presence, and we’re gonna have to put him in situations where he can utilize his strengths.”

But LaFleur did not change the offense to suit Musgrave’s strengths. He essentially kept using Musgrave the same way he was using Kraft. Musgrave and Kraft have different skill sets. Kraft excels at running after the catch and turning short passes into longer gains. Musgrave gives the Packers more of a downfield threat, that rare tight end who can stretch the field.

For the season, Musgrave played all 17 games and started 10. He caught 24 passes for 252 yards. But his playing time was reduced late in the season because of his lack of production.

This Will Be the Last Chance for Luke Musgrave to Make an Impact on the Packers Offense: Looking Ahead

The 2026 season will be the final year of Musgrave’s rookie deal. Unless the Packers sign him to a new contract, Musgrave will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

The Packers are still unsure when Kraft will be ready to play. He may be ready for Week 1, but that is still uncertain. Even if he is available, Kraft may start the season on a play count as he continues to work to return from his ACL injury.

The status of Kraft will likely give Musgrave one more opportunity to show how he can impact the Packers offense. LaFleur will have to call plays for Musgrave to utilize his skill set more effectively. Musgrave will have to be more consistent and productive as a receiver.

Musgrave’s NFL future will be on the line. Whether he gets a second contract in Green Bay or with another team, his performance this season will go a long way towards determining his career path. Will Musgrave be considered a starting-caliber tight end, or a role player/backup?

Musgrave has enjoyed several opportunities to establish himself as an impact player. This will likely be his last in Green Bay.