Green Bay Packers Eye Contract Extension for Star Tight End Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) was having an All-Pro season in 2025 before tearing his right ACL.

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After securing long-term commitments from wide receivers Jayden Reed and Christian Watson this offseason, the Green Bay Packers may now turn their attention to standout tight end Tucker Kraft.

Kraft, who suffered a torn right ACL on November 2, 2025, expressed his desire to remain with the franchise for the duration of his career. Speaking Wednesday, Kraft noted his deep connection to the organization, stating that his agent and the Packers’ front office will enter negotiations when the timing is right.

Those discussions could potentially reach a resolution before the start of training camp. Kraft reported that his rehabilitation is progressing better than expected, and he aims to be fully active for Week 1 without any limitations. His return would provide a massive boost to the Green Bay offense, given his All-Pro trajectory prior to the injury.

According to overthecap.com, Kraft is entering the final year of his rookie deal with a base salary of $3.624 million. With the Packers sitting approximately $21.6 million under the salary cap as of Thursday morning, the team has significant flexibility in how they structure a new deal.

While the organization might prefer to see Kraft return to full health before committing to a long-term extension, the 25-year-old is highly regarded as both an elite worker and a locker room leader. General manager Brian Gutekunst underscored Kraft’s value, noting that his impact as both a player and a leader is vital to the team.

The financial landscape for elite tight ends is steep. San Francisco’s George Kittle leads the league at $19.1 million annually, followed closely by Arizona’s Trey McBride ($19.0M), Minnesota’s T.J. Hockenson ($16.5M), and Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts ($15.045M). While the Packers could wait and risk a franchise tag situation next offseason—which could make Kraft the highest-paid player at the position—a deal in the range of $16 million per season now would be a logical move for both parties.

Head coach Matt LaFleur praised Kraft’s resilience and character, describing him as a “hell of a player” and an indispensable teammate.

Before his injury during a Week 7 loss to Carolina, Kraft was putting up dominant numbers: 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns in just six and a half games. At the time, he was the only tight end in the NFL to record over 30 receptions, 475 yards, and six touchdowns while averaging more than 15 yards per catch. Additionally, his elite blocking makes him one of the most complete two-way tight ends in the league.

Kraft remains confident in his ability, asserting that his overall contribution at the point of attack placed him at the top of the position. He believes his versatility as a “do-it-all” tight end sets him apart from his peers.

Regarding his recovery, Kraft noted that swelling has been minimal and he recently reached 21.5 mph during minicamp sprints. He is currently focusing on rebuilding strength in his quad, calf, and hamstring to ensure full stability for his knee.

Although he will likely start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the goal is a full clearance before the season opener. Kraft is dismissive of the notion that players return diminished from such injuries, insisting that a diligent rehab process ensures a full return to form.

With a cryptic hint that there is information he cannot yet divulge, it appears Kraft could be the next key piece of the Packers’ roster to sign a new contract before the 2026 campaign begins.

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