The Green Bay Packers had an active Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Just ahead of their selections, the team made the decision to extend wide receiver Jayden Reed to a three-year, $50.25 million contract. That led to some questions about the future of fellow wideout Christian Watson.
Watson has been expected to be an extension candidate this offseason. He signed a one-year extension with the team last year. Keeping him long-term has been an expected outcome.
Keeping that in mind, general manager Brian Gutekunst has now revealed his final decision about the future of Watson. His comments align well with the recent expectation of Watson being a part of the team’s future.
Packers Make Final Decision on Christian Watson’s Future
As shared by The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, Gutekunst made his goal clear about working out a new deal with Watson in the near future.
“Brian Gutekunst says extending Christian Watson is ‘absolutely’ still a priority as he enters a contract year after doing the same with Jayden Reed today,” Schneidman wrote on X.
“Says simply that the Packers are a better team when Reed is on the field.”
When a general manager comes out and answers a question that clearly about the future of a player, there is a pretty good chance a deal gets done. Watson is expected to begin the 2026 NFL season as the No. 1 target for Jordan Love in Green Bay’s offense.
There Are Some Concerns About a Long-Term Watson Extension
Watson is an incredibly dynamic wide receiver when he’s healthy. However, he has had multiple injury issues throughout his young career.
Since coming into the NFL as the No. 34 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Watson has played in 48 games. He has not played a complete season in any of his four years with the Packers.
Last season, the 26-year-old wide receiver played in just 10 games. He caught 35 passes for 611 yards and six touchdowns.
When Green Bay originally drafted Watson, the hope was that he would become a No. 1 target. At 6-foot-4 with elite speed and athleticism, he had all the tools to become that kind of player. Unfortunately, his health has been a big problem.
Hopefully, Watson is able to put together a full season in 2026. Whether or not the Packers will extend him before the start of the year remains to be seen. Gutekunst and the front office could wait to see how the year begins and whether or not Watson can stay healthy.
That being said, it sure sounds like Watson’s future in Green Bay has already been decided. A new deal should be coming at some point in the near future.
Packers Reveal Final Decision on WR Christian Watson’s Future