GREEN BAY — The Green Bay Packers reportedly are signing wide receiver Christian Watson to a one-year contract extension, according to ESPN.
Watson, who was in the final year of his rookie deal, now is under contract with the Packers through the 2026 season. The one-year extension is worth $13.25 million.
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Watson has appeared in 38 games over his first three seasons, which includes making 35 starts. He's caught 98 passes for 1,653 yards with 14 touchdowns.
Watson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he recovers from an ACL injury suffered in Green Bay's final regular-season game in 2024. There is no timetable for Watson's return this season. He must miss a minimum of four regular-season games before being able to return to practice because he's on the PUP list.
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Packers wide receiver Christian Watson averaged 21.4 yards per catch last season before suffering a season-ending injury. JEFFREY PHELPS, Associated Press
However, while the Packers and Watson don't want to put a timeline on his return to action, the rehab process has gone smoothly for him. GM Brian Gutekunst said in early August that Watson was ahead of the curve with his recovery, although that wouldn't alter his return timeline.
"It's tough because when you see him run — I'm sure you guys have seen him run too — like you want to throw him out there right," Gutekunst said about Watson during training camp.
"But there's kind of a timeline with these ACLs, and we're certainly, he's ahead of the curve. There's no doubt about it, but at the same time, he's got a long career in front of him. So we want to make sure we take the proper steps and we don't skip any steps along the way."
Watson, who is 6 foot 5 and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds, provides this Packers' offense with a vertical presence in the passing game. He averaged 21.4 yards per catch, the third-best mark in the NFL among qualified receivers, last season before getting injured.
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However, Watson's impact extends beyond his big-play ability. He can affect how defenses defend the Packers' offense.
When a defense is protecting against the deep ball, that can create more spacing on short to intermediate routes for other pass catchers. The threat of the downfield pass even can help the run game with fewer defenders near the line of scrimmage.
“He gives different looks for defenses with his speed, big play ability," receiver Jayden Reed said about Watson in 2023. "We get different looks. When he’s out there, you have to know he’s out there as a defense. ... No doubt that’ll help out the whole offense, executing and everything.”
Watson also is a willing and capable blocker in the run game, an important aspect of playing wide receiver in Matt LaFleur's offense. Watson also can line up across the formation at each wide receiver position.
"He’s a great teammate, a great leader on our football team," LaFleur said about Watson during training camp. "He’s got a lot of experience both positively and then fighting through adversity, so I think he’s a great guy to lean on for those guys. I can’t say enough great things about him."
Photos: Packers open season with home contest against Detroit
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed catches a 17-yard touchdown pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold defends during the first half Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs catches a long pass against the Detroit Lions Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, right, rushes during a play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft catches a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown makes a sideline catch against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs catches a pass against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons rushes during a play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive players pose after a Evan Williams (33) interception against the Detroit Lions during the first half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is brought down by Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, left, and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Morry Gash, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons rushes against Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Morry Gash, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary tackles Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, pulling him out of the end zone, during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers' Jayden Reed runs past Detroit Lions' Jacob Saylors during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs stiff arms Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs runs for a 3-yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons celebrates sacking Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, rear, during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff throws against the Green Bay Packers during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa catches a 13-yard touchdown pass as Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine defends during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, left, and his teammates celebrate his sack of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, not pictured, on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons celebrates his sack on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks runs against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur looks on from the sidelines on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell consoles quarterback Jared Goff on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs runs against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, left, and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff hug after Sunday's game in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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