The Green Bay rightfully showed their hand last offseason when they signed wide receiver Christian Watson to a one-year extension. At the time, it felt like a placeholder so Watson wouldn’t hit free agency this year.
It’s played out as such, with Watson returning from a torn ACL midway through last season and looking every bit of a No. 1 wide receiver.
The Packers would now be wise to jumpstart extension talks again.
Romeo Doubs is entering free agency, and all signs point to him playing elsewhere in 2026. Watching that process unfold would put more leverage in Watson’s corner. Green Bay wouldn’t necessarily be acting out of desperation. However, if and when Doubs inks a deal elsewhere, the Packers will be staring at a wide receiver room that will have three more receivers off the books next year: Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks.
Green Bay showed a true commitment to Watson last offseason when they forked over the one-year extension while Watson was in the midst of rehabbing a torn ACL. The Packers banked on Watson returning and returning to form; he did just that and then some. Rewarding him with an extension this offseason should be a foregone conclusion, but coming to terms on something both sides are pleased with will take time.
Consider Alec Pierce‘s situation. Experts generally consider Pierce the best wide receiver on the free-agent market, assuming the Dallas Cowboys franchise-tag George Pickens. If the Indianapolis Colts don’t come to terms on a new deal or franchise tag Pierce, there will undoubtedly be a bidding war.
Like Christian Watson, Pierce was a second-round pick in 2022, and the similarities don’t stop there. Pierce led the league in yards per reception this year at 21.3 yards per pop. The year prior, Pierce also led the league at 22.3 yards. Watson was in second immediately behind him in both seasons.
Pierce averages 9.9 yards per target, while Watson sits at 10 yards per target throughout his career. Pierce has 17 receiving touchdowns in four seasons, and Watson has 20. The list goes on.
The point in noting Pierce’s free-agency situation is that if he hits the market and multiple suitors emerge, throwing funny money around, it will only raise the price Green Bay will have to pay for Watson. The sooner the Packers can get the ball rolling, the better.
From Watson’s perspective, getting an extension done this offseason makes a ton of sense, too. Keep in mind, after agreeing to last year’s deal, Watson made it clear that this took pressure off shoulders.
“It was really just to take that pressure off myself, so I can go out there when I get back and just play free,” Watson said last September. “It’s definitely a blessing. It means a lot to me, and I’m glad we were able to get it done.”
When asked during Super Bowl week about his situation, Watson told NFL Network he “definitely” wants to stay put in Green Bay.
“My goal is to be with Green Bay long term,” he said. “That’s where I want to be. … Ideally, I’d like to get something done that keeps me there. I’ve got people around me who handle that side. I’m just focused on going out there and playing.”
A deal this offseason makes as much sense for Christian Watson as it does for the Packers. As annoying as it may be to point out, Watson has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his four-year career. Having the dark cloud of an expiring deal hanging over his head in 2026, when the Packers clearly want him around for the long haul, does no good for either side.
For Watson, anytime this offseason is a good time to hammer out a deal. For the Packers, time is more of the essence. It would be ideal if they could get it done before Pierce signs a mega deal somewhere and before Doubs departs.
Christian Watson more than proved his worth in 2025. In just 10 games, he racked up 611 receiving yards (second on the team) and six receiving touchdowns (tied for team lead). He emerged as more than just another wide receiver in a deep group, he looked the part of a bonafide WR1.
Health concerns will always linger, but they don’t outweigh what Christian Watson brings to the table when he’s on the field. Green Bay’s offense is significantly better with Watson on the field. The Packers can’t afford to lose that, and they would be better off to lock it in now so they don’t overpay later.