The Green Bay Packers are moving quickly to lock up one of their stars, with general manager Brian Gutekunst confirming that contract extension discussions have already begun. The comments came during Gutekunst’s end-of-season press conference.
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur works the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during their football game Monday, November 10, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur works the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during their football game Monday, November 10, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Confirms Extension Talks Underway with TE Tucker Kraft: Prioritizing Long-Term Deal Despite 2025 ACL Injury
Gutekunst emphasized Kraft’s importance both on the field and in the locker room:
“Obviously, he’s a really important part of this football team, and we would certainly like to have him around, but that’ll be something we work through with his people, and we’ll kind of see what’s best for us, best for them. Certainly, the impact that he has on our football team, not only as a player but as a leader, is very important to us. We’ve already been in contact with him, just letting him know how we feel, and we’ll kind of see where it goes.”
Kraft, a third-round pick (No. 78 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft out of South Dakota State, is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after that season.
Kraft’s Strong 2025 Despite Season-Ending Injury
Kraft was on pace for a breakout year before tearing his ACL in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers (November 2025), sidelining him for the remainder of the campaign. In eight games (all starts), he posted impressive numbers:
32 receptions (out of 44 targets)
489 receiving yards (15.3 yards per catch, 9th in the NFL among TEs with qualifying volume)
6 touchdowns
1 rushing attempt for 3 yards
The Packers went 5-2-1 in games he started, averaging 360.4 offensive yards per game—a significant jump from 4-5-1 and 307.9 yards without him. His blocking, route-running, and red-zone reliability made him a key weapon for QB Jordan Love, and he was viewed as one of the league’s top all-around tight ends before the injury.
Kraft has expressed optimism about his recovery, telling the team website in January 2026 that he’s aiming to be “bulletproof” by the start of the 2026 season, with no complications from surgery so far.
Why the Packers Are Pushing for an Extension Now
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter in a 2024 NFC divisional round game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter in a 2024 NFC divisional round game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Gutekunst’s proactive outreach signals the team’s high valuation of Kraft as a core piece in their Super Bowl window. With the Packers’ offense needing continuity and the tight end market rising (top earners like George Kittle at $19.1M/year, Travis Kelce at $13.7M/year, Trey McBride, TJ Hockenson, and David Njoku setting benchmarks), securing Kraft long-term could provide stability.
Risks remain: The ACL injury introduces uncertainty about his 2026 performance, and delaying could inflate costs if he bounces back strongly. Analysts note the Packers may structure a deal with incentives tied to health and production.
No timeline or terms have been specified yet—talks are in early stages—but Gutekunst’s comments indicate priority status this offseason. Kraft’s camp (represented by agents) will likely push for top-tier TE money, potentially a 4-5 year extension in the $15M+ AAV range.
Packers fans: Smart to lock up Kraft now, or wait and see his recovery? Could he be the next big-money TE? Share your thoughts below—Green Bay’s offseason priorities are taking shape!
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