With Luke Musgrave still sidelined indefinitely by a neck injury, the Green Bay Packers had already addressed their depth concerns at tight end by signing former Pro-Bowler Jonnu Smith. They followed up Sunday by trading for the Los Angeles Rams' Mark Redman.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Green Bay is sending a 2028 seventh-round pick to Los Angeles.
Given that the Packers swung a trade for him, it seems safe to assume Redman will make the 53-man roster, joining Tucker Kraft, Smith, and Josh Whyle in the tight-end rotation.
By contrast, the Louisville product was never going to see the light of day on the Rams' roster, but by no fault of his own. The Rams lack a No. 1 option like Kraft, but they do boast perhaps the best depth in the league.
In that environment, someone like Redman never stood a chance, despite a productive college career and a strong 2026 preseason. Translation: the Packers are likely getting a more talented No. 4 tight end than a cursory glance would suggest.
Packers boost depth by trading for Rams' Mark Redman
The Rams stashed Redman on the practice squad last season after signing him in undrafted free agency out of Louisville. Redman transferred there after a pair of solid seasons with San Diego State. The Rams carried four tight ends last season and will likely roster five this year. Redman simply got squeezed.
Back for a second year in the organization, he caught Rams fans' attention with the occasional training-camp highlight and a strong showing in the preseason. At 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, he has excellent size and a wide catch radius, as well as nimble feet. That much was on display in LA's preseason debut, when Redman hauled in three catches for 47 yards.
The Rams acknowledged Redman's value by holding onto him through the first wave of roster cuts. The fact that they sought out a trade - and that the Packers were interested - all but confirms that Redman had little chance of returning to the practice squad. Better to trade him for a bag of chips than let him walk for nothing.
For the Packers, it's essentially a no-risk depth addition; apparently, they value Redman more than other options already in the organization, like Drake Dabney. And, true, although Redman remains untested and inexperienced, he looks the part of an NFLer on the field with his blend of size and athleticism.
Assuming Green Bay indeed plans to carry four tight ends, Redman could essentially fill the role John FitzPatrick did last year, before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury that could cost him all of 2026 as well. As long as Musgrave remains out, stockpiling depth behind Kraft could be a prudent approach.
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