The Green Bay Packers keep crossing off tasks on their offseason contract checklist. On Thursday, the team agreed to extend the contract of receiver Christian Watson. Earlier this offseason, the Packers extended the contract of receiver Jayden Reed and picked up the fifth-year option of edge rusher Lukas Van Ness. The deals have helped set the foundation of the Packers for years into the future.
So, who is next on the checklist?
Let’s run down what’s ahead for the Packers on the contract front:
TE Tucker Kraft. While Kraft is still working his way back from last year’s torn ACL, he is likely to be back on the field during training camp and ready for the start of the regular season. It’s possible the Packers will wait until Kraft has returned before finishing an extension, but it’s worth considering that the team signed Christian Watson to a short extension before he was fully back last September. Expect this one to get done at some point between now and the start of the regular season. Kraft emerged as one of the NFL’s best young tight ends before his injury in 2025, and he is viewed internally as a foundational player.
DL Devonte Wyatt. The 2022 first-round pick is scheduled to play the 2026 season on the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, at a base salary of almost $13 million. The Packers want to keep Wyatt long term, and an extension would lower his cap number in 2026. Interior defenders, especially ones with pass-rushing talent, are worth their weight in gold in the NFL. Can the Packers risk Wyatt inching closer and closer to the open market? Like Tucker Kraft, expect this extension to get done at some point.
DL Karl Brooks: The 2023 sixth-round pick has played in 50 of 51 games and has flashed pass-rushing ability from the interior, giving him value as a durable and occasionally disruptive rotational player. But does it make sense to pay Brooks, who struggled down the stretch in 2025, if the Packers are set on extending Devonte Wyatt?
CB Carrington Valentine: An interesting case. Valentine has legitimate coverage ability, 30 career starts in three seasons and a real chance to be a starter again in 2026, but his inconsistency — especially as a tackler — has rightfully maddened the Packers. It’s tough to play a corner who is such a liability against the run. Can Valentine show enough improvement and more consistency in 2026? He needs a big season, but even then, he’s probably likely to hit the open market.
CB Keisean Nixon: While a preferred starter in Green Bay over multiple seasons, Nixon turns 29 in June and will likely look for starting level money come free agency next offseason. The Packers’ additions at cornerback suggest Nixon is entering his final season in Green Bay.
LB Isaiah McDuffie: Is McDuffie a third contract type player? Doubtful, even though he’s useful as a backup linebacker and special teamer. Expect the Packers to replace him with a draft pick come next offseason.
TE Luke Musgrave: The 2023 second-round pick is going to need a breakout fourth season to stick in Green Bay past 2026. After a disappointing first three seasons, he’s a possible trade candidate this summer or into the season.
The following players just signed one-year deals this offseason and will be unrestricted free agents come 2027:
- OL Darian Kinnard
- QB Tyrod Taylor
- TE Josh Whyle
- DL Jonathan Ford
- WR Skyy Moore
- OLB Brenton Cox Jr.
- OLB Arron Mosby
- LB Kristian Welch
- LB Nick Niemann
The following players are scheduled to be a restricted free agent or an exclusive rights free agent come 2027:
- WR Bo Melton (restricted)
- K Lucas Havrisik
- S Johnathan Baldwin
- DL Jordon Riley (restricted)
- TE Drake Dabney
- WR Jakobie Keeney-James
- DL Jaden Crumedy (restricted)
- CB Kamal Hadden
- CB Shemar Bartholomew
- OL Donovan Jennings
- S Mark Perry
- RB Damien Martinez
- OL Dalton Cooper
- QB Kyle McCord
- DL Anthony Campbell
- DL Dante Barnett
- WR Will Sheppard
- OL Karsen Barnhart
- WR Isaiah Neyor
- TE Messiah Swinson
- OL Brant Banks
- WR Brenden Rice
- S Jaylin Simpson
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: What’s next after Packers extended Christian Watson’s contract?
