New Christian Watson Packers Contract Update After Trade Rumors, NFL Draft 2026

The Green Bay Packers made some changes to the wide receiver room this offseason, allowing Romeo Doubs to walk in free agency while trading Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jayden Reed was also signed to a three-year, $50 million extension. And Christian Watson could be next.

According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, "Watson, who is under contract only through this season, might be next in line for an extension."

"Absolutely with Christian," general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters. "Amongst a bunch of other guys that we're going to hope over the next few months to try to maybe do some of that with."

In consolidating the receiver room—and passing entirely on the position at this year's draft—the Packers have essentially solidified Reed, Watson and 2025 first-rounder Matthew Golden as their top three options at wideout.

Add in tight end Tucker Kraft—who was a breakout star in 2025, catching 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games before a torn ACL cut his season short—and the Packers have plenty of weapons in the passing game, even if they lack a truly elite option out wide.

"I don't think we've ever lacked talent at that position," head coach Matt LaFleur said of the wideouts. "And I think a year ago, I think we all saw it, man. It was hard to get everybody the amount of touches that we'd like to get them, so I think this is an opportunity to kind of reset everything and we've got more opportunities I'd say for everybody in that room."

Watson, 26, has always tantalized with his big-play potential, though injuries and inconsistencies have kept him from ascending to No. 1 receiver territory. In 10 games last season he caught 35 passes for 611 yards and six touchdowns.

Translated to a full 17-game season, that's a pace of 59 catches for 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Packers would certainly take that level of production.

They'd also take a jump from Golden in his second season, or a clean bill of health for Reed. There is potential in this group, even if it hasn't fully translated on the field. Green Bay stuck with these three for a reason.

Perhaps with more targets to go around, the outlook will be different in 2026. And perhaps an extension for Watson is also forthcoming.