Former Hawkeye tight end Luke Lachey looked like he was going to be the next member from "Tight End U" to light the NFL on fire after a hot start to the 2023 season with Iowa.
A season-ending injury derailed his season, and he ultimately decided to return to Iowa for his senior season in 2024. Lachey's production wasn't what he hoped for, largely due to Iowa's revolving door at quarterback, and he slipped to the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Lachey never really got a chance with the Houston Texans, spending 2025 on their practice squad before being waived this offseason.
Now, he has another chance with a new organization, and his NFL hopes just got a boost
Green Bay signed Lachey after recently claiming him off waivers
Lachey has the size and skill to be a successful NFL tight end, but his main issue has been staying healthy. After the Texans waived him and the Packers added him before OTAs, he did not immediately join the team because of a failed physical.
After finally passing his physical, he is getting a chance to be a part of the Packers' tight end group after the organization announced that they have signed him to a contract.
We have signed Luke Lachey
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) June 15, 2026
Even after he initially failed a physical, the Packers had a clear interest in giving him a chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, signing him to a contract. It will be interesting to see if he makes the squad with multiple players coming off injuries, including starting tight end Tucker Kraft. In order to make room on the roster, the Packers waived WR Jakobie Keeney-James.
Lachey is a multi-faceted tight end who can catch passes at a high level and doesn't mind getting dirty in the trenches. He has often said that his best trait is blocking, something every organization needs from a tight end. Blocking was also Lachey's biggest strength coming out of Iowa, according to multiple draft experts.
The Packers have a crowded tight end room with seven currently on the roster, and while it won't be easy for Lachey to avoid the 53-man roster cut down in August, the Packers have shown an interest in at least giving him a chance.
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