After opting not to add a single tight end in the draft, the Green Bay Packers claimed Luke Lachey off waivers. Although Lachey wasn't expected to compete for a featured role, he most definitely would've provided much-needed depth at the position while Tucker Kraft recovers from an ACL tear.
The issue is that Lachey failed to pass his physical, which left a roster spot open. Green Bay proceeded to sign cornerback Marlon Jones but could still use depth at tight end.
The good news is that one intriguing option remains available in the open market.
Darren Waller is an option for the Packers while Tucker Kraft recovers
The first wave of free agency came and went, and tight end Darren Waller remains unsigned despite the fact that he made plays for the Miami Dolphins last season. The former Georgia Tech Yellowjacket appeared in nine games with three starts for the 'Phins, reeling in 24 catches for 283 yards with six touchdowns (the second-best mark of his career).
A sixth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, it wasn't until the Las Vegas (then Oakland) Raiders traded for him in 2018 that he hit his stride. And even then, it wasn't until 2019 that he broke out, reeling in 90 catches for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns.
After five seasons with the Silver & Black, Waller bolted for the New York Giants in 2023. Although the former Pro Bowl nod was hampered by injuries, he still managed to rack up 52 catches for 552 yards with one touchdown. Nevertheless, he retired one year later. But based on his production with Miami after unretiring, spending a year away from the gridiron may have rejuvenated his career, and it won't hurt the Packers to kick the tires on him.
On the other hand, Waller last played a full season in 2020, so he may not be able to stay healthy, something he himself has acknowledged. Couple that with the fact that he isn't a particularly good blocker, and it's easy to understand why he's yet to find a new team after becoming a free agent in March.
Still, Waller showed last season that he still has a bit of juice left, and the Packers could most definitely find a role for him.
Why it makes sense for the Packers to sign Darren Waller
While Kraft recovers from the ACL, the Packers will have to lean on Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle. Enter Waller, who's a much better pass-catcher than both of them.
And that's the thing, Green Bay let Romeo Doubs walk in free agency and later traded Dontavyion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles. Sure, sophomore Matthew Golden is expected to make a leap, so the cupboard isn't fully bare. Having said that, general manager Brian Gutekunst needs to bolster Jordan Love's arsenal of weapons, especially if Kraft misses any time.
Of course, signing Waller comes with injury concerns. What guarantees he'll stay healthy throughout 2026? The silver lining is that locking him up probably wouldn't be cost-prohibitive. On top of that, it wouldn't count toward the compensatory pick formula.
When you add it all up, signing Waller comes with minimal risk and offers massive upside.
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