The Green Bay Packers just dropped a monster bag on wide receiver Christian Watson — a four-year, $110.5 million extension that had the NFL world buzzing. But according to league insiders, the Packers are far from done writing checks. In fact, the next name on their list might be even more explosive.
On Thursday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show, NFL insider Ian Rapoport dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the league: star tight end Tucker Kraft is reportedly the Packers’ next “big time priority” for a contract extension.
“Tucker Kraft is still out there, and I would consider him a big time priority for Green Bay,” Rapoport said, as fans and analysts scrambled to digest the implications. “It looks great as he’s coming back, looks excellent. I wouldn’t be surprised if contract talks waited until he’s fully cleared, but if you’re talking about a guy who will probably reset the tight end market that badly needs to be reset, that would probably be one of them.”
The Injury Wild Card
The biggest question mark hanging over Kraft’s potential payday is his recovery from a torn ACL suffered during the 2025 season. But sources close to the situation say the fourth-year tight end is already running at full speed and appears to be on track for a full return in 2026. One team insider reportedly told us that Kraft’s rehab has been “ahead of schedule” and that the organization is “cautiously optimistic.”
Why Kraft Could Break the Bank
When healthy, Kraft has looked every bit like a top-tier tight end — a rare dual threat who can stonewall defenders in the run game and then torch them downfield as a receiver. In just eight games during the 2025 season, Kraft hauled in 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns. Extrapolate that over a full 17-game slate, and you’re looking at 1,000-yard, double-digit touchdown production.
“He’s a mismatch nightmare,” one NFC scout told us, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Teams have to account for him on every snap. If he’s healthy, he’s a top-five tight end in this league, and those guys don’t come cheap.”
A Market Reset Brewing in Green Bay?
With Kraft’s potential extension, insiders are reportedly buzzing about what it could mean for the entire tight end market. If Kraft signs a deal that resets the position’s ceiling — as Rapoport suggested — it could trigger a domino effect across the league, with players like Detroit’s Sam LaPorta also in line for massive paydays.
For Packers fans, the message is clear: the front office isn’t just building a young roster — they’re locking it down. And if Kraft gets the bag he’s reportedly seeking, Lambeau Field might just become the epicenter of the NFL’s next financial revolution.
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