After the 2023 draft I and many others saw the tandem of Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft as being an amazing 1-2 punch to shore up the tight end position. Early indications had myself and many others viewing Musgrave as the new receiving option the Packers have desperately needed since Roberty Tonyan’s flash of greatness.
Yes, we all also said the same about them as we do all promising new tight ends in Green Bay:
“Finally we have Jermichael Finley’s replacement…”
A sentiment further emboldened by Musgrave sporting Finley’s jersey number. However, the story has taken an unexpected turn.
A Promising Start Fizzling Out…
It’s fair to say that Luke Musgrave’s spotlight has faded, especially when viewed in contrast to the ascension of Tucker Kraft.
During his rookie year back in 2023, Musgrave stacked 34 receptions for 352 yards and a touchdown, despite missing six games. It was a promising debut that tied Bubba Franks’ record set back in 2000 for receptions by a tight end.
When Musgrave went out in 2023 with a lacerated kidney, Kraft stepped in and balled out in a big way. While they both ended 2023 with stellar numbers, Musgrave hasn’t seemed to be able to recapture his rookie year flashes.
Meanwhile, Tucker Kraft’s trajectory has surged.
A Tale of Two Tight Ends
In 2024, Kraft logged 50 receptions for 707 yards and 7 touchdowns and delivered elite yards-per-catch and yards-after-catch marks for a tight end. He effectively assumed the lead role at the position for Green Bay and earned his Kraft YAC n Cheese nickname.
Musgrave found himself increasingly in Kraft’s shadow. His opportunities diminished, and when they came, the results were underwhelming. With Kraft healthy and productive, the run-game and blocking side of the offense also leaned his way, further narrowing Musgrave’s path to meaningful snaps.
He would end 2024 with 7 receptions for 45 yards in 7 games, averaging 6.4 yards per catch. He started in only 3 games before being placed on injured reserve last Octobe,r and was later activated in December.
Fast forward to 2025, and Musgrave’s stats are non existent at best. According to PFF Musgrave has only seen 35% of snaps this season, and the numbers may reflect why.
Reception Performance:
- Receptions: 6
- Receiving Yards: 54
- Receiving Touchdowns: 0
- Yards Per Reception: 9.0
- Drops: 0
- Passer Rating When Targeted: 98.8
- Average Depth of Target (ADOT): 9.3
- Yards After Catch per Reception (YAC/REC): 2.5
According to Packers Wire, here’s how he is stacking up in blocking grades:
Blocking Performance:
- Overall grade: Received the team’s lowest run-blocking grade in the Week 8 game against the Steelers.
- Pass blocking: Was evaluated negatively for his pass blocking during his rookie season, and recent analysis indicates this has not improved significantly.
- Run blocking: Has the lowest run-blocking grade on the team this season.
It is a far cry from the initial talent that was on display in his first season with the Packers
It goes without saying how dominant Tucker Kraft has been in 2025.
In case you’ve been under a rock, here’s a highlight reel from last week’s game against the Steelers where Tight End Day became Tucker Kraft Night:
Musgrave A Potential Trade Piece?
I certainly am not ready to call it on Luke Musgrave’s career with the green and gold. Though it’s hard to deny that given Musgrave’s declining usage has him trending less towards a future weapon, and more towards being a viable trade candidate.
The Packers clearly see Kraft as their long-term TE1 and Musgrave as a depth piece.
What the market would look like for Musgrave given his drop in production and history of injury is uncertain.
With the trade deadline coming next Tuesday November 4th, there may be an opportunity for Green Bay to capitlalize on the value Musgrave still has. He’s still very young and carries name recognition from his strong rookie year. If the deal doesn’t happen now, the offseason is likely even more plausible. Other teams may view Musgrave as a high-upside athlete with size and speed who simply hasn’t found his footing.
In short, the combo of Musgrave’s declining performance along with Kraft’s dominance, make the once promising rookie a prime candidate to be shopped, be it before the impending trade deadline, or in the 2026 offseason.
As always “In Gutey We Trust”, and we will see if the Packers continue working to develop Luke Musgrave, or let him find his place with another squad.
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The post Where Has Packers TE Luke Musgrave Been In 2025? first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.