He didn't miss a single game in his first two seasons with the Green Bay Packers before tearing his ACL last year. Yet Kraft still hasn't signed an extension past 2026, meaning the Packers risk letting their former third-round pick — and arguably their best offensive player — walk out the door after this season. On Wednesday, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst addressed where things stand on contract negotiations with Kraft.
"We would love to have that done. These things are complicated at times," Gutekunst said. "Whether we accomplish that before the beginning of the season, we'll see.
We're excited for what he's going to do for us both this year and in the future." More news: Dave Canales Sends Pointed Message on Bryce Young’s Future in Carolina Kraft is coming off a torn ACL suffered in Week 9 of last season, but before the injury, he was on pace for Pro Bowl and potentially All-Pro honors. Through the first eight games, Kraft caught 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns, averaging a league-best 15.3 yards per catch among tight ends. He was the most explosive tight end in football, and had he played a full season, he likely would have finished with his first 1,000-yard, double-digit-touchdown campaign.
Only Trey McBride pulled that off last year — and he earned first-team All-Pro honors for it. Kraft has already returned to full practice with the Packers, and teammates have raved about him throughout camp. He looks ready to pick up right where he left off, and Green Bay may need him more than ever this season after losing receivers Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks in the offseason.
More news: Colts Make Anthony Richardson Decision Ahead of Preseason Finale vs Lions More news: Browns’ Next QB Battle Set for Preseason Finale vs Patriots Kraft is still just 25 years old. The organization may be hesitant to commit big money to him coming off a serious injury, but you can bet his price only goes up after this season. Right now, his market value sits around $17.7 million annually, according to Spotrac — which would rank third among tight ends, behind George Kittle ($19.1 million per year) and McBride ($19 million).
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