The Green Bay Packers have made a pair of strategic waiver claims, adding depth to their roster with tight end Luke Lachey and cornerback MJ Devonshire. These moves, confirmed by the NFL transaction wire, signal the Packers' ongoing commitment to strengthening their squad for the upcoming season.
Luke Lachey brings an intriguing pedigree to Green Bay. The 6-foot-6, 247-pound tight end is the son of Jim Lachey, a three-time All-Pro left tackle who dominated the trenches for the San Diego Chargers and Washington in the 1980s and '90s. Despite being a seventh-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2024, Lachey showed promise during his college career at Iowa. After missing most of the 2023 season with an ankle injury, he bounced back as a redshirt senior, starting all 11 games and hauling in 28 receptions for 281 yards. Over four seasons with the Hawkeyes, he accumulated 74 catches for 893 yards and four touchdowns. The Texans released Lachey on May 11, just weeks after drafting Michigan tight end Marlin Klein in the second round, clearing the way for the Packers to scoop him up.
On the defensive side, the Packers claimed cornerback MJ Devonshire off waivers from the Buffalo Bills. Devonshire, a seventh-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, has yet to see regular-season action despite stints with four different organizations. His journey includes time with the Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and most recently, the Bills, where he joined the practice squad in December before signing a futures contract in January. Notably, Devonshire will reunite with new Packers secondary coach and pass game coordinator Bobby Babich, who previously served as Buffalo's defensive coordinator. This familiar connection could accelerate Devonshire's integration into Green Bay's defensive schemes.
These additions come at a critical time for the Packers, as they continue to build a roster capable of competing in a tough NFC North. Lachey adds depth to a tight end room that could use a reliable pass-catching option, while Devonshire provides competition in the secondary—a unit that will benefit from fresh legs and experience. For fans, these moves are a reminder that the NFL's waiver wire is a constant source of opportunity, and the Packers are staying active in their pursuit of talent. Whether these players develop into key contributors or special teams standbys, their arrivals keep the roster dynamic and the season outlook intriguing.