Packers sign TE Luke Lachey
The Packers had previously tried to acquire Lachey earlier this offseason.
By PackerAaron
The Packers are taking another look at tight end Luke Lachey.
On Monday, Green Bay announced the signing of Lachey, bringing the former Iowa standout back to the roster after a brief and unusual offseason detour. Lachey was originally claimed off waivers from the Houston Texans in May, but the Packers subsequently waived him with a failed physical designation before he ever had a chance to compete.
Whatever medical concern led to that move appears to have been resolved, as the Packers are now comfortable bringing him into the fold.
A seventh-round pick of the Texans in 2025, Lachey spent his rookie season on Houston’s practice squad and never appeared in a regular season game. At Iowa, however, he flashed the athleticism and pass-catching ability that made him a legitimate NFL prospect before injuries slowed his momentum.
For Green Bay, this is a low-risk move. The Packers continue to churn the bottom of the roster looking for developmental talent, particularly at tight end where competition behind Tucker Kraft remains important. Lachey gives the team another young option with upside as they head toward training camp.
To make room on the roster, the Packers waived wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James.
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Comments (7)
Grandfathered
June 15, 2026 at 08:25 pm
Another opion at development can't hurt. An SI article sounds like Lachey needs development in run blocking- I was hoping for a "Y" type. But it also sounds like he has a tough attitude like Kraft. Maybe the Pack will take another look at Falayi as long as they're bringing back players who failed early physicals.
Guam
June 16, 2026 at 07:20 am
I thought Lachey projected as more of a Y type TE when he was drafted. Typical Iowa TE, you have to block pretty well to play TE for Ferenz. Not saying he is a formidable blocker like D. Washington, but I thought he was more Y type than a move TE.
Oxymoron 3339
June 16, 2026 at 10:51 am
Agree Guam
He played for Iowa he is hopefully a decent blocker, which means it’s a good pickup.
Snap the ball
June 15, 2026 at 10:32 pm
Just hang out with Kraft... Might gain some testosterone...... Block..... can you hold your spot for 2.8 to 3.5 seconds
dobber
June 16, 2026 at 08:08 am
Has as good a chance of being TE4 and a STs guy as anyone else on the roster...and they might keep 4 early as Kraft comes back from injury.
golfpacker61
June 16, 2026 at 09:27 am
"At Iowa, however, he flashed the athleticism and pass-catching ability that made him a legitimate NFL prospect before injuries slowed his momentum." I will go on an Iowa rant first but am happy about Lachey getting a chance.
Because Iowa has had some really substandard offenses with some terrible Offensive Coordinators for a good portion of the last 10-12 years, their pass catchers really underperformed. It's a big reason why Iowa couldn't recruit more talented WRs and also why so many transferred out after seeing few balls thrown to them. Virtually no Iowa WRs are on NFL teams. Even higher rated QBs struggled at Iowa and many of those transferred too. The ones that played were very ineffective because of Iowa's bland run, run, pass, punt and play great defense game plan.
Surprisingly, Iowa has sent a lot of TEs to the NFL even though their college careers didn't show much production. And some have really flourished in the pros when given a chance to do more than block. While Lachey was at Iowa, the QBs didn't throw to him much and were inaccurate to boot. Any catches he was able to make were all on him. If Iowa had better offenses and even average QB play while Lachey was there, he probably would have been a late Day 2/early Day 3 pick in his draft. I am not saying he will be TE1, but he can be a difference maker upgrade @ TE for GB.
No one should sell this move short. As Guam said above, Iowa offensive skill positions players don't see the field unless they block pretty well. This could very well be the Y TE we desperately need and if he makes the team, it could signal the end of Musgrave in GB. Lachey didn't have as good of a 40 time as Musgrave but he is fast enough to be a threat. Lachey has better hands and is a much better blocker than Musgrave will ever be. I can see a top 4 of Kraft, Whyle, Lachey, and Swinson to start the season, maybe the TE room will be the position group strength we thought it would be after drafting Musgrave and Kraft.
Now lets get a FA Edge, a FA CB and trade for a RB. Strengthen the last remaining weak spots.
HarryHodag
June 16, 2026 at 10:08 am
One rumor(not confirmed) is the Packers have been shopping Luke Musgrave. This signing would indicate some juice to that rumor but like all rumors....we'll wait and see.