The Packers are making it clear: they see Tucker Kraft as a key piece of their future. General Manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed Wednesday that extension talks with the young tight end and his camp are on the horizon. The conversations have already started behind the scenes, with the organization outlining just how highly they think of him.
Kraft is currently working his way back from a torn ACL that ended his season prematurely - a tough break for a player who was really starting to come into his own. But even with the injury, there’s no question about his trajectory. He’s heading into the final year of his rookie deal, and all signs point to a significant payday down the line.
The 24-year-old’s rise has been steady and impressive. Coming out of South Dakota State, Kraft was a two-year starter and earned first-team All-American honors in 2021, followed by a third-team nod in 2022. That production and potential caught Green Bay’s attention, and they grabbed him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 78th overall pick.
He’s now in year three of a four-year, $5.5 million rookie contract - a deal that included just over $1 million in signing bonus money. But if his 2025 performance is any indication, he’s outplaying that rookie deal in a big way.
In just eight games before the injury, Kraft hauled in 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns. That’s not just solid production - that’s playmaker stuff.
He showed an ability to stretch the field, win in traffic, and become a reliable red-zone target. For a young quarterback, having a tight end like that can be a difference-maker, and it’s clear the Packers understand what they’ve got.
The timing of these extension talks makes sense. Locking up a dynamic, ascending player before he hits the open market is smart business - especially at a position where true difference-makers are hard to find. And while Kraft’s rehab is still ongoing, the Packers’ willingness to move forward with talks speaks volumes about their confidence in his return and long-term value.
Bottom line: Green Bay believes in Tucker Kraft. And if both sides can come to terms, the Packers might be securing a foundational piece for years to come.