There is nothing wrong with being a little patient in today's NFL, even though many head coaches and general managers can't really afford to be.
Especially when it comes to non-linear player development, patience is more than just a virtue -- it's essential. But the Green Bay Packers are also just like every other NFL team. They have business decisions they've got to make, and it's possible we could see the team moving on from some notable draft picks in recent years, perhaps even a little too soon.
But Matt LaFleur might not be wrong to do so in certain cases, either.
One particular player in focus this offseason is going to be 2023 second-round pick Luke Musgrave, a tight end out of Oregon State who came into the NFL with injury concerns that have persisted for his first couple of seasons in the league.
Luke Musgrave a possible surprise player on the bubble for Packers
Because of the lack of quality tight ends across the NFL these days, it would be a major shock to see the Packers flat-out cut a player like Musgrave. That's not going to happen.
But if the right trade offer comes along? You never know.
Let's go down the path of an interesting scenario that could unfold. Perhaps some team that still has the ink drying on Musgrave's pre-draft scouting report is willing to trade for him. The Packers could simultaneously pursue a trade for someone like Darnell Washington of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who just got his job taken by veteran Jonnu Smith.
The Packers could "give up" on a guy like Musgrave while still potentially adding a young player with upside. Or maybe they go after veteran Noah Fant, who was just cut by the Seattle Seahawks. You could easily justify trading or moving on from Musgrave if you have a player like Fant in the mix offensively.
One way or another, this does feel like a crucial camp for Musgrave. Through his first two NFL seasons, we've certainly caught glimpses of what he's capable of, especially in his rookie year. But last season, in seven games played, Musgrave managed to catch just seven passes. It was not a step forward.
It's important to remember what I said before, that development is not always linear in the NFL. Musgrave could play all 17 games this year and catch 50 passes, but is that likely to happen with the Packers? This team could use upgrades in the pass rush department and at cornerback, and right now, Musgrave's youth still carries some significant value.
The Packers need to make a decision of whether they are going to see that investment through, or if they're willing to let some other team get the best of Musgrave while dealing with the risk he presents injury-wise.