The Green Bay Packers’ Tight End Dilemma for the 2025 NFL Season

A New Era of Tight End Utilization
Head coach Matt LaFleur has made his intentions clear: the Green Bay Packers must maximize the potential of their tight end position in 2025. Despite Tucker Kraft’s remarkable performance, the team cannot solely rely on one standout player. With the ambition to compete for the Super Bowl, adding depth and versatility to the tight end corps is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

LaFleur’s post-season comments emphasize his vision: “When [Kraft] gets the ball in his hands, you feel him.” To unlock the full potential of the Packers’ offense, LaFleur envisions featuring tight ends more prominently. This strategy aligns with the team’s run-heavy approach led by Josh Jacobs, where play-action passes and multi-tight end sets could wreak havoc on opposing defenses.

Tucker Kraft: A Star on the Rise
Tucker Kraft is already proving himself as one of the NFL’s premier tight ends. In the 2024 season, Kraft recorded 50 receptions for 707 yards and seven touchdowns, ranking him among the league’s elite. His numbers placed him alongside household names like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews, solidifying his status as a borderline superstar.

However, the Packers believe Kraft’s ceiling is even higher. His ability to evolve into a true game-changer hinges on the team providing him with support—a complementary TE2 or even a reliable TE3. With a creative play-caller like LaFleur at the helm, adding another dynamic tight end could elevate the Packers’ offense to new heights.

Luke Musgrave: The X-Factor
While Kraft has flourished, the same cannot be said for fellow tight end Luke Musgrave. Selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Musgrave was initially viewed as the Packers’ breakout prospect. His rookie season showed flashes of potential, with 34 receptions for 352 yards and a touchdown. However, injuries have plagued his career, limiting him to just seven catches for 45 yards in 2024.

Heading into 2025, Musgrave remains a significant unknown. While the Packers hope he can form a potent one-two punch with Kraft, they cannot bank on his health or consistency. This uncertainty underscores the need for the Packers to explore additional options at tight end.

Exploring the Market: Free Agency and Draft Options
With approximately $40 million in cap space for 2025, the Packers have room to maneuver. While pass rushers and wide receivers may take priority, investing in a reliable tight end could pay significant dividends for the offense.

• Zach Ertz: If the Washington Commanders allow the veteran tight end to walk, he should be Green Bay’s top target. Ertz, despite being 34 years old, proved his reliability in 2024 with 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. His experience and leadership would make him an invaluable addition to the Packers’ locker room.
• Austin Hooper: A more affordable option, Hooper demonstrated solid TE2 production with the Patriots, recording 45 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns. His consistency would provide a steady presence alongside Kraft.
• Draft Prospects: The Packers could also look to the 2025 NFL Draft for reinforcements. One intriguing prospect is Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr., who posted an impressive 117 receptions for 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Fannin’s skill set aligns with Green Bay’s preference for small-school tight ends, making him a potential mid-round steal.

The Importance of Depth and Versatility
The Packers’ success in 2025 will depend heavily on their ability to adapt and innovate offensively. With Jordan Love under center and Josh Jacobs leading the ground game, the team is poised to utilize a balanced attack. Adding depth at tight end would not only bolster the passing game but also create mismatches in play-action scenarios, allowing LaFleur to fully unleash his creative play-calling.

Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers have an exciting opportunity to revolutionize their offense in 2025 by embracing the tight end position. Tucker Kraft is already a rising star, but the addition of a reliable TE2 or TE3 could transform the unit into one of the most formidable in the NFL. Whether through free agency or the draft, general manager Brian Gutekunst must act decisively to ensure the Packers have the tools they need to contend for a Super Bowl.

With LaFleur’s vision and the talent already in place, the Packers are on the cusp of something special. All they need is the right piece to complete the puzzle.