The Green Bay Packers make it a habit to sign players they identify as part of their core to second contracts. On rare occasions, they even sign players to a third contract. But who will GM Brian Gutekunst sign to an extension next? Here is a list of Packers candidates to sign the next big contract extension. To be eligible, players have to have an expiring deal after the 2025 season. The deal must also be a major one, not a fringe roster player signing a one-year contract for another crack at making the roster.

Which Packers Are Candidates to Sign the Next Big Contract Extension, Number Three: WR Christian Watson

Christian Watson will enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. Gutekunst has a difficult decision to make regarding Watson. The former North Dakota State star has an outstanding combination of size and speed. Opposing defenses have to account for Watson whenever he’s on the field because he can be such a dangerous downfield threat. In fact, he averaged 21.4-yards per catch last season.

However, Watson has never consistently realized the potential that made him the first pick in the second round back in 2022. He has never matched the 41 catches he had in his rookie campaign.

In addition, Watson suffered a serious knee injury that required surgery during the 2024 season finale against the Bears. As a result, Watson is expected to miss at least the first half of the upcoming season.

Watson will likely only have a handful of games to showcase how productive he is post-injury. The Packers also have a deep receiver room including this year’s first round pick, Matthew Golden and third rounder Savion Williams. No receiver has established himself as the go-to receiver as of yet. If somebody does, that could make it less likely that the Packers seek an extension with Watson.

Will the Packers bet on Watson’s potential and sign him to an extension, or will the injuries and inconsistency cause them to move on? A one-year prove it deal may be another option for both team and player if neither side wants to make a longer commitment.

Number Two: LB Quay Walker

The Packers took linebacker Quay Walker with their first pick in the first round in 2022. The Georgia alum became an instant starter and has taken on the responsibility of calling the defensive signals.

The Packers recently declined to sign Walker to his fifth-year option, but Gutekunst indicated earlier this offseason that he wanted to sign Walker to an extension. However, as of now, the two sides have yet to sign any new deal.

While Walker has been a starter, he has yet to be more than an average starter. He has led the Pack in tackles in each of his three seasons with the club, but too many of his tackles came downfield after the ball carrier had gained several yards.

Will Gutekunst and Walker agree on a new deal, or will the speedy linebacker hit the free agent market next year? How well Walker performs this season may have a big impact on that decision.

Which Packers Are Candidates to Sign the Next Big Contract Extension, Number One: OT Zach Tom

For the last two seasons, Zach Tom has been graded as the team’s best offensive lineman according to Pro Football Focus. Tom started five games as a rookie and then started all 17 games in each of the last two seasons.

Tom blocks well for both the run and in pass protection. He can also play all five positions across the offensive line. For the last two years, Tom has been the team’s starting right tackle. He could move to another position if injuries strike or if another player struggles on the offensive line.

Gutekunst has indicated that extending Tom is a priority for the Packers. Like Watson and Walker, Tom will be in the final year of his entry-level contract in 2024. Fellow starting offensive linemen Sean Rhyan and Rasheed Walker are also entering the final year of their contracts, but Tom remains the team’s priority when figuring out who to extend.

 

 

 

 

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