Brett Veach has a knack for the upside play.
The Kansas City Chiefs' general manager has a demonstrated history of taking a chance, whether via a free-agent signing or a low-level trade, on once-heralded prospects that never blossomed at the NFL level. That's why Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave makes sense as a potential offseason target for Veach.
Three years ago, the Packers shocked everyone by taking two tight ends early in the 2023 NFL Draft, part of a whopping 13-player rookie class. Musgrave was the team's second-round selection at No. 42 overall. Tucker Kraft was taken 36 picks later at No. 78 in the third round. Together, they were expected to provide an instant jolt to a stagnant position, giving Matt LaFleur a host of new offensive possibilities with such a dynamic tandem.
Three years later, Kraft is headed toward a contract extension. Musgrave is sailing the league's trade routes. Musgrave was reportedly on the block before the NFL's trade deadline in early November, so it feels obvious for the Packers to recoup at least something with one year left on his contract.
If Brett Veach is ready for another upside play, a trade for Luke Musgrave would make a lot of sense.
Back in November, the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars were teams with reported interest in Musgrave's services, with the cost of a fifth-round pick surfacing as the price. However, the Packers ended up backing away from the idea after Kraft was injured, and further depth concerns made Musgrave a bit more important at the time. With a full offseason to plan around his absence, it makes sense to deal him with one year left.
Coming into the league, the former Oregon State product had limited production due to a COVID-affected year as well as a serious knee injury during his final season. However, he was healthy enough to elevate his stock in pre-draft workouts, where he once again exhibited elite athleticism and length (he stands 6'6) to go with his proven blocking. Musgrave's draft profile was exciting enough for The Athletic's Dane Brugler to list him at No. 29 on his big board.
Any team dealing for Musgrave, including the Chiefs, would hope a change of scenery (and scheme-ery) would do the trick. While Musgrave's athleticism presents potential mismatches with his size, he also can't handle contact, and his blocking hasn't improved. He also doesn't play many special teams snaps. Green Bay seems to have decided against his usefulness, despite the second-round investment.
That makes him something of a scary proposition on the trade block, but any player dangled is out there for a reason. A tight end with his measurables is always going to spark interest, and the fact that Musgrave is still only 25 years old should engender some faith that he could turn the corner at a position that takes considerable time to master at the NFL level.
As for the Chiefs' potential interest, wholesale changes could be coming for the Chiefs. Travis Kelce still hasn't officially decided whether or not he's returning for another season. Noah Gray's cap hit makes him a potential cut candidate this offseason. Jared Wiley is a complete unknown as the third tight end on the depth chart.
Depending on what the Packers might be asking in return for Musgrave at this point, a deal of a low-level, day-three draft choice might make for an interesting experiment at a position with no clear future. Even if Kelce returns, the Chiefs could use a spark behind him, and Musgrave's $2.7 million cap hit is much more palatable than Gray's $7M. Depending on whether other teams are still interested, a swap of draft positions might get a deal done on draft weekend.
One thing seems certain: Musgrave is on the move. Perhaps the Broncos or Jags are obvious homes, but Kansas City should be circling any potential tight end reclamation knowing Veach's history and the uncertainty at the position. If the price is right, Musgrave could be an intriguing addition.