Rob Demovsky’s Warning to the Packers: Don’t Wait Too Long on Tucker Kraft’s Deal

The Green Bay Packers have been busy locking down their offensive core this offseason. Already, Jayden Reed and Christian Watson got paid, and the money was real. But the next name on that list, tight end Tucker Kraft, might be the most important pass-catcher of the three.

There’s a problem, though. Kraft tore his ACL midway through the 2025 season. That kind of injury makes any team hesitate before handing out a big extension. The Packers have every reason to wait and see how he looks when he gets back on the field. But according to Rob Demovsky, a reporter who covers the team closely, waiting could backfire.

The Injury Complication

Kraft was on track to become one of the NFL’s best tight ends before the ACL tear. He’s an elite receiver after the catch and a quality blocker, which is a rare combo. The Packers need him healthy for their offense to hum. But his medical history gives Green Bay leverage, or at least a reason to pause.

Demovsky wrote that while the Packers could wait until Kraft is back on the field before negotiating, that approach might end up costing them more. If Kraft picks up where he left off, he’ll be asking for top-of-the-market money. The reporter noted that both sides have said they want to continue together, so a deal feels likely regardless. It wouldn’t be a surprise if a lucrative extension gets done before the season starts.

What Happens If They Wait

Kraft is expected to be ready for Week 1. If he comes out and plays like the guy we saw in 2025, his price tag only goes up. The Packers would be betting against their own player, essentially giving him a chance to prove he’s worth more than they want to pay right now.

There’s also the risk that he struggles coming off the injury. If that happens, the Packers might wish they had locked him in at a discount while they had the chance. It’s a classic contract tension. The team wants to protect itself from risk. The player wants to prove he’s still the same guy.

Demovsky’s warning is simple: time is not necessarily on Green Bay’s side here. The longer they wait, the more Kraft can control the narrative by performing well. And if he performs like the elite tight end he was trending toward, the Packers will end up paying a premium either way.