Although Tucker Kraft is still recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in 2025, the Green Bay Packers could have him for the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. However, they should still consider adding quality tight end depth.
Sure, Josh Whyle is making strides and has been one of the offseason's most pleasant surprises. Similarly, Luke Musgrave is still around.
That said, the Packers will have plenty of options if they want to bolster their depth at tight end. They should give the Jacksonville Jaguars a call and inquire about Hunter Long.
The Packers need to give the Jaguars a call about Hunter Long
The Jaguars caught a lot of heat when they drafted tight ends Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol in Rounds 2 and 4, respectively, despite the fact that they already had Brenton Strange in the mix.
With Boerkircher and Koziol in the mix, Jacksonville is now stacked at tight end. Strange is firmly entrenched as the starter while Boerkircher is trending toward being No. 2 on the depth chart. Kozoil has had a strong offseason and could seize the No. 3 job. That would leave Quintin Morris and Hunter Long on the outside looking in.
Jacksonville carried three tight ends last year but could keep four next season. That would leave Hunter and Morris vying for just one spot. The team's brass is high on the latter, so Long could be the victim of the numbers game.
Heck, Hunter was seen as a cap casualty early in the offseason precisely because they re-signed Morris. After the arrival of Boerkircker and Koziol, it may be a matter of time before the Jags cut ties with him.
Why should the Packers make a push for Hunter Long
A third-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2020, Long battled with injuries early in his career, but he's managed to be healthier since the 'Phins moved on from him. The former Boston College Eagle is by no means an All-Pro, but he's a dependable tight end who could provide depth in case Kraft isn't good to go.
Last year, Long posted a career-best 12 receptions for 85 yards with two touchdowns in a limited role. He could put up even better numbers if he had the chance. This begs the question: just how much would it take the Packers to acquire him?
That's the best part. Long would probably cost a seventh-round selection, maybe even a pick swap. Green Bay could also wait until cutdown day to claim the veteran tight end. The issue with that approach is that another team could either trade for him before he hits the waiver wire on cutdown day.
Moreover, Long is set to make $2 million next season, but only $1 million of it is guaranteed. He would most definitely fit the team's budget.
Of course, the Packers won't necessarily need to add depth at tight end if Kraft is 100 percent for Week 1 of the regular season. But depth is still a concern, so they should consider giving the Jags a call.
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