The Green Bay Packers find themselves at a crossroads with tight end Tucker Kraft - a player who, before his season-ending ACL injury, was quickly becoming a key piece in Jordan Love’s offensive arsenal. Kraft had stepped into the spotlight with authority, showing chemistry with Love and emerging as a go-to weapon in critical moments. But now, with contract talks reportedly on the horizon, the Packers have to weigh the upside of locking in a rising star against the very real risks that come with a major injury.
Let’s start with what Kraft brought to the table before the injury. In just eight games, he racked up 32 catches on 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns.
That’s high-end production for a tight end, especially one still early in his NFL career. But it wasn’t just the numbers - it was when and how he made plays.
On third and fourth downs, Kraft was a safety net. He turned short passes into chain-moving gains, and his yards-after-catch ability stood out in a Green Bay offense that was still finding its rhythm.
Jordan Love trusted him. That alone says a lot.
But here’s the dilemma: Kraft is now rehabbing from a torn ACL and heading into the final year of his rookie deal. According to reports, GM Brian Gutekunst has already opened lines of communication with Kraft’s camp, acknowledging the team’s interest in him long-term. That’s not surprising - front offices like to get ahead of these situations, especially when a player’s market value could spike with a strong return.
Kraft is set to make $3.6 million next season, with a cap hit just under $4 million. If he comes back healthy and continues his upward trajectory, that’s a massive bargain.
But that’s a big “if.” ACL injuries are no joke.
They’ve ended careers. They’ve altered trajectories.
And even when players make it back onto the field, they’re not always the same - whether it's a loss of explosiveness, hesitation in cutting, or just the mental hurdle of trusting the knee again.
So now the Packers have to ask themselves: Do they bet on Kraft returning to form and try to sign him now, potentially saving money in the long run? Or do they take the cautious route, let him play out the year, and risk paying more down the line - or worse, losing him entirely if he hits free agency and another team sees the same potential?
There’s also the cap management angle. Locking Kraft in early could give the front office more clarity heading into free agency, helping them plan around a known number rather than gambling on future projections. But that only works if the player delivers on the investment - and that's where the risk lies.
This isn’t just a feel-good story about a young player overcoming an injury. It’s a business decision with long-term implications.
Gutekunst and the Packers have to balance optimism with realism. They clearly value Kraft - and for good reason.
But this is a franchise that’s seen how quickly things can turn in the NFL. Locking in a player after a major injury is a high-stakes move, and they’ll need to be absolutely sure before they commit.
Ultimately, the Packers are in a position where patience might be their best play. They don’t need to rush this.
Kraft’s talent is undeniable, and if he returns to form, the team will have every reason to keep him in green and gold for years to come. But until then, this is one of those pivotal decisions that could shape the offense - and the cap sheet - for seasons ahead.