Packers find the perfect formula to keep big offensive star locked in past 2025 with creative deal
Christian Watson isn’t going anywhere.
Usually, the Green Bay Packers like to reward their second-contract player with four-year extensions. At the same time, wide receiver Christian Watson brought very particular challenges—multiple injuries throughout his first three seasons in the NFL, including a torn ACL in January. So the Packers have found the perfect way to keep him around.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Packers gave Watson a one-year, $13.25 million extension to keep him in Green Bay through 2026.
Why Watson’s extension is the perfect move
A second-round pick in 2022, Christian Watson has never produced like a top receiver, but he has a unique skill set that is extremely hard to replicate. His combination of size and speed makes the Packers’ offense the best possible version.
Any type of long-term extension would have to consider so many variables, and it was ultimately hard to pull off. So the short-term deal allows Watson to recover from the knee injury, return to the field in 2025, and have a full season in 2026 before hitting the market in 2027.
Compensating the rival’s attitude
Back in 2022, the Packers wanted to trade up to the 32rd overall pick with the Minnesota Vikings to select Watson in the first round. However, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah declined the offer, accepting a similar deal for the 34th pick. By doing that, the Vikings avoided a scenario where the Packers would have the fifth-year option for Watson.
With this deal, Green Bay reaches an agreement that is similar to what a fifth-year option would be, so Brian Gutekunst compensates for that failed attempt three years ago.
Plan at wide receiver
The Packers had three receivers entering contract year in 2025. Watson and Romeo Doubs, drafted in 2022, and Malik Heath, an undrafted player originally signed in 2023—Heath is slated to be a restricted free agent.
Even though the Packers now have Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks under contract for 2026, plus Matthew Golden and Savion Williams through 2028, the Packers felt like it would make sense to invest in Watson for another year.
Career numbers
Christian Watson: 38 games, 98 receptions, 1,653 receiving yards, 17 total touchdowns
Jameson Williams: 33 games, 83 receptions, 1,396 receiving yards, 12 total touchdowns
2024 numbers
Christian Watson: 15 games, 29 receptions, 620 receiving yards, 2 total touchdowns
Jameson Williams: 15 games, 58 receptions, 1,001 receiving yards, 8 total touchdowns
And for the price tag the Packers were able to achieve, it does make sense. A few days after the Detroit Lions gave Jameson Williams a three-year, $83 million deal, this contract for Christian Watson may be considered a bargain for Green Bay—but from the player’s perspective, it’s important to have more security while recovering from a serious injury.
Ultimately, it’s the perfect balance for everyone involved.
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