Former Iowa TE Luke Lachey Signs with Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers officially signed former Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Luke Lachey to their offseason roster on Monday. Lachey, a 2025 seventh-round draft pick by the Houston Texans, returns to the NFL after spending his entire rookie season on the Texans practice squad and getting released in May. The Packers initially claimed him off waivers last month, but he failed his physical at the time. Now, the former Hawkeye captain gets another shot to prove himself on a professional field.
Why did the Packers sign Luke Lachey now?
Green Bay needs depth at the traditional Y tight end position, and Lachey brings the kind of Midwestern grit the franchise traditionally values. After failing his physical a month ago, Lachey clearly did enough in his recovery to convince the Packers medical staff he was ready to contribute. He stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 250 pounds, giving him the prototypical size for an inline blocker. He will compete for a backup role behind Tucker Kraft, bringing a willingness to do the dirty work in the run game.
What did Luke Lachey accomplish at Iowa?
Lachey was a staple of the Hawkeyes offense, appearing in over 40 games and making 32 starts during his college career. He hauled in 74 passes for 843 yards and four touchdowns, dropping only three passes over his entire collegiate career. His most promising season came in 2022, when he caught four touchdown passes and averaged 14.2 yards per catch. Unfortunately, a significant ankle injury in the third game of the 2023 season derailed his momentum. He missed the final 11 games of that year but returned to earn team captain honors in both 2023 and 2024. Despite the setbacks, Lachey remained a reliable target in an Iowa offense that heavily favored the run.
What are scouts saying about the former Hawkeye?
Draft experts see Lachey as a reliable blocker with untapped potential, even if his college stats do not jump off the page. Dane Brugler of The Athletic praised Lachey's competitive spirit and noted his role in offensive coordinator Tim Lester's pro-style scheme.