Luke Lachey is getting another chance to show he belongs in the NFL.
The former Iowa tight end was taken in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Lachey was waived in the final round of roster cuts in August, spending the entire season on the practice squad. After signing a reserve/future contract with the Texans in January, he was released by the team on May 11.
Now, just over a month after that release, he’s getting a second chance in the league. On Monday, the Green Bay Packers announced that they signed Lachey to a deal.
The 6-foot-6 tight end had 74 receptions for 893 yards and four touchdowns in 42 games as a Hawkeye. While his receiving skills are underrated, Lachey will need to make his hay as a blocker if he wants to stick around in the NFL. That rings especially true in Green Bay.
The Packers have a talented, deep tight end room entering the 2026 season. Tucker Kraft is one of the best up-and-coming tight ends the NFL has to offer. Luke Musgrave acquitted himself well last season after an injury to Kraft. And Josh Whyle is a decent blocking tight end who understands his role.
Lachey will need to really stand out in training camp and in the NFL preseason if he wants to make Green Bay’s 53-man roster or its practice squad for the 2026 season.
Still, even just getting this opportunity to put more tape out there is massive for him. The talent is there for Lachey. Now he has another chance to prove that to the football world.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Former Iowa football TE Luke Lachey lands new NFL deal with Packers
Reporting by Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire | USA TODAY Network
