The Green Bay Packers won't have Christian Watson to start the season, and the only free agent addition to the pass-catcher group has been Mecole Hardman, who's expected to be more impactful as a kick returner. Sure, the draft might still bring reinforcements, but there's another strategy to mitigate the lack of receiver production.
At the start of the 2025 Tailgate Tour, tight end Tucker Kraft revealed that he expects more two tight-end sets this upcoming season, which means big roles for himself and Luke Musgrave.
"Going into our two-tight end packages we’ll do this year, we're gonna have to find ways to spread that wealth around," Kraft said. "Because the tight end room, we're gonna be relied on heavily this year. I feel like we always have been. Coach expects us to play a perfect game. We'll have two tight ends going into Year 3, we'll see what that's all about."
Kraft had a big leap last season, finishing the year with 50 receptions for 707 yards and seven touchdowns. He led the NFL among tight ends in yards after the catch per reception (9.3) and was also top 5 in passer rating when targeted (134.6) last year at his position.
It's curious (and certainly not accidental) how Kraft and Musgrave complement each other, which gives head coach Matt LaFleur a better chance of succeeding with them both on the field at the same time.
While Kraft is a better blocker and stronger to generate yards after the catch, Musgrave brings a unique element of speed and deep threat at the tight end position. Kraft is the starter, but Musgrave can be an impactful piece to replace what Watson does.
Leadership role
The Packers had the youngest roster in football in each of the past two years. Entering the third season of this structure, it's imperative that these players reaching the final part of their rookie deals take a more active role beyond just the individual production. Kraft knows he has to be an impactful personality inside the locker room.
"More words, not just headbutts," Kraft said.
The former third-round pick is slated to make $1.253 million in 2025 and $1.505 million next season, but the 2026 salary will most likely get bigger via the proven performance escalator. But more than that, the tight end market is increasing—Trey McBride signed an extension with the Arizona Cardinals worth $19 million per year. Next offseason, Tucker Kraft will be eligible to sign a new contract, and what he does on and off the field in 2025 will impact how the negotiations may evolve.
