Green Bay Packers fans probably weren't expecting to hear Josh Whyle's name much, if at all, heading into a pivotal season, yet here we are. The veteran tight end has reportedly made the most of his additional reps while star Tucker Kraft and primary backup Luke Musgrave rehab.
Whyle has been thrust into the spotlight and made noise along the way. He's earned praise from teammates and coaches alike, namely skipper Matt LaFleur. For what it's worth, Packers beat writers are taking notice too, including ESPN's Rob Demovsky.
Demovsky highlighted Whyle, who's "taken significant snaps with the starters this offseason," as the "biggest surprise" of Green Bay's workout program thus far. That's an interesting (and welcome) development, one that could mean the 2023 fifth-round pick is in line for a meaningful role in 2026.
Packers may have uncovered a hidden gem in TE Josh Whyle
Many have viewed Whyle's as a potential replacement for Musgrave, and understandably so. With Kraft firmly entrenched atop the depth chart and handling a near-every-down workload when healthy, there are only so many opportunities up for grabs.
However, Whyle's emergence as a surprise standout shouldn't be overlooked. The Packers are no exception to the league-wide rise of heavier personnel packages with multiple TEs on the field. A newfound emphasis on supersized formations gives him a chance to be a factor, as does a possible ramp-up period for Kraft.
It remains to be seen how things will look when Whyle and Musgrave are available and whether they can coexist. Meanwhile, the former has made a strong impression on his new club since being waived by the Tennessee Titans last summer, even garnering recognition from Kraft.
"We can't believe that the Titans would let a product like [Whyle] go," Kraft stated (h/t Demovsky). "And we're fortunate to have him."
After being waived by the Titans last summer, Whyle latched onto Green Bay's practice squad a couple of days later. He was elevated to the active roster in the wake of Kraft landing on injured reserve in November with a torn ACL.
Moreover, Whyle seems to be finding a home in Titletown after returning to the Packers on a one-year, $2 million deal in free agency. He caught five of six targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in eight games in 2025.
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