Packers Lock Up Star Tight End Tucker Kraft With Huge New Extension

Huge payday for Kraft

The Green Bay Packers have locked up star tight end Tucker Kraft with a massive four-year contract extension. The deal has a base value of $75 million but could reach up to $92 million. It includes a $26.5 million signing bonus.

This deal makes Kraft the third-highest paid tight end in the league. He will earn an average annual salary of $18.75 million, putting him just behind George Kittle and Trey McBride. Kraft will receive $31.5 million in his first year.

With this signing, the Packers have secured every offensive starter under contract through at least the 2028 season. Kraft was drafted by the team in the third round in 2023 and always wanted to stay in Green Bay.

Bouncing back from injury

The extension comes after Kraft, 25, suffered a torn ACL in his right knee last season. Before the injury, he was putting up incredible numbers. In the first nine weeks of the season, he caught 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns.

Kraft worked hard during his rehabilitation. His recovery went so well that doctors said his knee looked like it had been healing for over a year. He returned to practice quickly, taking hits in a joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals by late August.

Even though he practiced without a contract extension in place, Kraft was not worried. He said he never thought about holding out because he knows the value he brings to the team. Packers coach Matt LaFleur praised his work ethic, saying Kraft "doesn't shy away from the work."

What it means for the next game

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (NFL, Sun, 13 Sep): Minnesota Vikings win 54%, Green Bay Packers win 46%; projected score Minnesota Vikings 24, Green Bay Packers 22. Our safest pick: Under 53.5 points.

Green Bay Packers at New York Jets (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): New York Jets win 32%, Green Bay Packers win 68%; projected score New York Jets 18, Green Bay Packers 24. Our safest pick: Packers to win.