Go back two years, and the expectations couldn’t be higher for Green Bay Packers’ tight end Luke Musgrave. A second-round pick, he was a starter from the get-go and on pace to have the most productive season for a rookie tight end in franchise history.

Things have gone sideways since, though. A lacerated kidney made him miss significant time in 2023, and it opened the door for third-round rookie Tucker Kraft to show his value. When Musgrave returned, he was a backup. Last year, Musgrave suffered a significant ankle injury and missed more time.

In 2025, Musgrave has played only 31.76 percent of the offensive snaps. After finishing his rookie season with 352 receiving yards, he’s had 94 since, only five receptions for 49 yards this year.

His inability as a blocker and to generate yards after the catch make him a limited offensive player, especially for Matt LaFleur’s offensive philosophy, which demands blocking skills. Because he’s not an effective special teamer either, his role gets smaller by the day.

Ahead of the trade deadline, which is less than two weeks away, the Packers could consider making a move to recoup some draft capital and/or get another contributor on the roster. We invited our teammates at A to Z Sports to make their offers, and we’ll evaluate the best one.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Jaguars receive: TE Luke Musgrave
• Packers receive: DT Khalen Saunders, 2026 sixth-round pick

This deal makes sense for Jacksonville because Saunders has not played for them since early September, after they acquired him from New Orleans during the offseason. Mason Smith passed him up on the depth chart, but he could step in and play a depth role in Green Bay. They need more experience inside on the defensive line, and he would provide it instantly.

Not to mention, Saunders has always been appreciated for his locker room presence throughout his career. With tight end Brenton Strange on injured reserve for Jacksonville, Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long are the top options at the position. Musgrave would instantly play a role in the Jags’ passing offense that needs more sure-handed options. — Adam Holt, A to Z Sports NFL coverage.

Houston Texans

• Texans receive: TE Luke Musgrave 
• Packers receive: DL Denico Autry, 2026 fifth-round pick

The Texans are banged up at the pass-catching position. Nico Collins and Christian Kirk have been in and out, often leaving Dalton Schultz as the best option in the passing game. With Musgrave, you can add a vertical threat to the offense and play more advantageous looks out of 12 personnel. Sure, don’t ask him to block, but C.J. Stroud and the offense need more weapons, and Musgrave offers just that.

For the Packers, Autry is a wily veteran who can play up and down the line, and a fifth-round pick feels like more than a fair return on investment given what the team has in Kraft. — Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports NFL coverage.

Atlanta Falcons

• Falcons receive: TE Luke Musgrave
• Packers receive: 2026 sixth-round pick

When the Falcons’ offense has been on, it’s been one of the best in the NFL. And with the team having some solid success through the first seven weeks, they shouldn’t be counted out as a team that could look to make a trade. A trade for a tight end may surprise people, but if the Falcons could land a player like Musgrave for a reasonable price, it makes sense.

Pitts has dealt with a few injuries in his career, and if he misses time this season, it would change what the Falcons can do offensively in a big way. Musgrave becoming his backup would give the Falcons a fallback option in case of an injury.

It would also help them split reps a bit to keep both players healthy for what the team hopes will be a deep playoff run. — Destin Adams, A to Z Sports NFL coverage.

Verdict

Both the Jaguars’ and Texans’ offers are intriguing, but ultimately, the Packers should take Houston’s deal for multiple reasons. First, Autry would be a higher-level option than Saunders. While Autry is primarily an edge rusher, he brings flexibility to play inside as well. Moreover, even his snaps at edge would be valuable, especially if the Packers trade Kingsley Enagbare.

The Packers don’t like to acquire older players, and Autry is 35, but it’s a short-term move. The long-term part of the deal is the fifth-round pick, an extremely valuable asset for a team without first- and sixth-rounders next year due to the trades for Micah Parsons and Darian Kinnard.

Accepted offer:

• Texans receive: TE Luke Musgrave 
• Packers receive: DL Denico Autry, 2026 fifth-round pick

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