During the 2025 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers had a standout tight end in Tucker Kraft until a severe injury ended his season in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers at home. Following Kraft’s exit, the team struggled to find equivalent production at the tight end position, significantly impacting their offensive efficiency.
Many anticipated that Luke Musgrave would emerge as a reliable replacement, but from Week 10 through the remainder of the regular season, his impact was minimal. Musgrave recorded only 164 receiving yards with no touchdowns on 15 catches from 21 targets in nine games, marking a disappointing stretch in his NFL career. In fact, across three seasons, Musgrave has only managed one touchdown, raising concerns about his future with the Packers.
Potential Tight End Options for the 2026 NFL Free Agency Explained
Matt Schneidman of The Athletic described Musgrave as a “lost cause” and suggested that the Packers are looking to add a new tight end in the upcoming free agency period. One of the names mentioned as a possible target is Cade Otton from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cade Otton, 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3 years, $24 million): Otton is a solid all-around tight end who can contribute in all phases. He is a fine blocker and route runner who has decent hands and can be a safety valve on leaks to the flat. The best part of his game might be his pass protection. Otton is not a plus athlete, though. He lacks burst and speed, and there is nothing overly special about his game.
Otton, soon to be 27, has spent his entire NFL career with the Buccaneers. Over 63 games, including 58 starts, he has amassed 2,018 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns from 207 receptions on 300 targets. His consistent blocking and route-running abilities make him an attractive option for the Packers as they seek to stabilize their tight end role moving forward.
What This Means for Green Bay’s Offense Moving Forward
The Packers’ decision to move on from Luke Musgrave reflects the pressing need to strengthen their offensive lineup, especially at tight end, after missing Tucker Kraft. Targeting a player like Cade Otton could provide Green Bay with more stability and versatility in both blocking and receiving duties. How the team approaches free agency will significantly influence their offensive prospects in the 2026 season and beyond.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Packers can secure the right talent to replace their injured star and address the gap left by Musgrave’s limited production. The upcoming free agent period offers a critical opportunity for Green Bay to recalibrate and strengthen their offense.
